Digital India: Bridging the Divide or Breeding Discontent?

The BJP touts the success of the Digital India initiative under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, countering Congress criticisms about rural internet coverage. With 97 crore connections today, the BJP argues Digital India benefits the poor and middle class. Congress challenges these achievements, pointing to unmet promises and rising cyber threats.

On Tuesday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) underscored the achievements of the Narendra Modi-led government's Digital India initiative while criticizing the Congress for questioning its success. The BJP accused Congress of a 'destructive' model, marred by corruption and dynasty politics, which the BJP claims has been consistently rejected by the populace.

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari rebuffed Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's assertions about the BharatNet project's incomplete reach, emphasizing that internet connectivity now spans 95% of Indian villages compared to the 27 crore connections during the Congress rule. He credited the Digital India initiative for this massive leap.

Bhandari highlighted that Digital India has enabled financial inclusion, transferring financial aid directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts and attributed 50% of global transactions to this initiative. Despite Congress pointing to issues like digital exclusion and cyberspace challenges, BJP maintains the Modi-led model as the successful path Egyptians choose over opposition models.

(With inputs from agencies.)