Congress Slams Government Over Widening Economic Inequities

The Congress has criticized the government for increasing economic disparities, highlighting a significant difference in the consumption expenditure between the rich and the poor. Citing recent data, Congress claims over 40% of the nation's wealth from 2012 to 2021 benefited just 1% of the populace.

The Congress on Wednesday criticized the government for escalating economic inequalities, asserting that every available data indicator points to a broadening gap between the rich and the poor.

Congress General Secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh shared on X a media report stating that the disparity between the consumption expenditure of the affluent and the impoverished is approximately tenfold.

Ramesh highlighted that the monthly consumption expenditure of the poorest 5% in rural regions is Rs 1,373, compared to Rs 20,824 for the top 5% in urban areas. He emphasized that this data aligns with other indicators revealing a widening economic divide.

He further claimed that 40% of the wealth generated from 2012 to 2021 went to only 1% of the population. Additionally, he pointed out that around 64% of the country's GST originates from the poor, lower middle, and middle classes.

Ramesh accused that over recent years, the majority of public assets and resources have been sold to a few companies, leading to monopolies and subsequent inflation. According to him, just 21 billionaires now possess more wealth than 70 crore Indians.

The Congress has consistently criticized the government's approach to rising economic inequality, inflation, and unemployment, holding its policies accountable for these issues.