'1% people of India have 40% wealth and that's why unemployment is rising': Rahul Gandhi at rally in Solapur

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during a campaign rally in Solapur on Wednesday asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is fearful and recognizes that the current general is slipping away from his grasp. The 53-year-old Rahul Gandhi while addressing the rally accused the Modi government of waiving loans amounting to Rs 16 lakh crore for a select group of billionaires, arguing that this sum could have been utilized to fund farm loan waivers or the MNREGA scheme for an extended period.He highlighted the stark wealth inequality in the country, claiming that 70 crore people possess the same amount of wealth as a handful of billionaires.
He added that unemployment was at an all-time high because one per cent of the population owns 40 per cent of the wealth in the country adding that if the INDIA bloc is voted to power, it will create "crores of lakhpatis."
The Congress leader outlined his party's plans, including the Mahalaxmi scheme, which aims to provide Rs 1 lakh annually to women from underprivileged households, and a guaranteed apprenticeship program for degree and diploma holders in PSUs and other institutions. He criticized demonetisation and the introduction of GST, arguing that they benefited only a few billionaires.
Gandhi expressed his belief that justice must prevail, accusing Modi of transforming India into a hub of injustice. He further claimed that Modi is aware of the potential consequences he may face after the elections due to the electoral bond controversy.
"Justice needs to be done. Modi has made India the capital of injustice. He is scared as he knows that the election is slipping out of his hands. Due to the electoral bond theft, he knows he will be in trouble after the elections. This is the reason he is continuously speaking lies. But he can not get away this time," the Congress leader said.
Gandhi emphasized that the people of India have come to understand the importance of safeguarding democracy and the Constitution, and that Modi is cognizant of this fact. "Its objective is not just to win elections, but destroy the Constitution. The INDIA alliance will save our democracy and protect the Constitution," he said.
He characterized the Prime Ministert as a "leader of billionaires" rather than the poor. Gandhi questioned Modi's claim of belonging to the Other Backward Class (OBC), pointing out that when the Congress demanded a caste census, Modi dismissed the existence of caste in India, instead categorizing people as either rich or poor. "If that is so, why does he call himself an OBC," Gandhi asked.
The Congress leader stressed the significance of the 2024 Lok Sabha election, alleging that the BJP's objective extends beyond merely winning elections to dismantling the Constitution. "Its objective is not just to win elections, but destroy the Constitution. The INDIA alliance will save our democracy and protect the Constitution," he said.
He asserted that the INDIA bloc is committed to preserving democracy and upholding the Constitution. Gandhi cited statements made by BJP MPs suggesting their intention to amend the Constitution if they secure another term in power.
Gandhi reiterated his commitment to conducting a caste census and an economic survey to assess wealth distribution. He also pledged to establish a separate commission for farmers to address their needs, including loan waivers and legally guaranteed Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for crops. Gandhi emphasized that the INDIA alliance, upon coming to power, would prioritize waiving farmers' loans as a first step.