Middle class has always suffered under Congress rule: PM Modi in Tripura
Narendra Modi in Madhya Pradesh
The middle class has always suffered under Congress rule, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Tripura on Sunday. Modi is on another one of his campaign blitzkriegs, having spoken in Bengal earlier in the day, and being scheduled to speak later in Manipur.
"The middle-class has always suffered under the Congress government, the party has said that more taxes should be levied on the middle class," Modi said on Sunday.
He also referred to the Congress's recently-released election manifesto which contains a large dose of what is referred to as "welfarism". Modi called it a "dhakosla patra" (hypocricy document).
The Congress has, among other things, said in its manifesto that it will invest 6% of GDP in health and education, and that it will strengthen government hospitals and provide high-quality healthcare access to the poor if voted to power.
The party has also promised to enact the Right to Healthcare Act and guarantee every citizen free diagnostics, out-patient care, free medicines and hospitalisation, through a network of public hospitals and enlisted private hospitals.
Then of course there is its NYAY (Nyuntam Aay Yojana) scheme which envisages the giving of Rs 72,000 a year to 20% or 5 crore of India's poorest families.
"Congress released their manifesto, their 'dhakosla patra' three days ago, not even once 'dhakosla patra' mentions middle class, such hatred towards middle class," Modi said.
"They think middle class has made Modi win and that's why they're adamant on punishing middle class," he added.
Modi also added Sunday that "the Congress and the Left are working to oust Modi, even if that means they have to support the interests of Pakistan".
"The Congress and the Left are working together to oust Modi. They have stooped too low, singing paeans to Pakistan even when the NDA government was taking on the terrorists on the soil of the neighbouring country," Modi said.
"Am I not doing the right thing by giving a befitting reply to the enemies of the country?" he asked.
Modi meanwhile heaped praise on Chief Minister Biplab Deb, saying the state government had improved the law and order situation and developed infrastructure in only one year.
Election to two Lok Sabha seats in Tripura will be held on April 11 and 18.
(With inputs from PTI)