The Congress has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of spreading "lies" to divert attention from real issues in the Lok Sabha polls and challenged him to point out where in the party's manifesto is "redistribution of wealth" is mentioned.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh asserted that PM Modi "symbolizes Asatyamev Jayate".
Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters in New Delhi, Ramesh stated that the Congress would not engage in the BJP's game but would focus on issues like unemployment and price rise.
Ramesh claimed that trends from the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls show that in some states, the BJP has been "wiped out" while in others, its seats are decreasing compared to the 2019 polls.
"He (PM Modi) is trying to take the agenda in another direction. He first tried to give a communal color to our manifesto and then talked about things that are not there in the 'Nyay Patra'. It is propaganda based on lies," Ramesh said.
"He is giving publicity to our manifesto, though it is wrong publicity," he added.
Ramesh emphasized that the Nyay Patra is based on feedback from the people during the Bharat Jodo Yatra and the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.
"It is very clear that due to the policies of Prime Minister Modi unemployment has increased, the price rise is not being reined in and economic inequalities have gone up," he stated.
The Congress, Ramesh asserted, will fight the Lok Sabha polls on Nari Nyay, Yuva Nyay, Kisaan Nyay, Shramik Nyay, and Hissedari Nyay, emphasizing a positive agenda focused on people's issues.
Ramesh challenged Modi to show where wealth redistribution is mentioned in the Congress manifesto, refuting the claim that the party intends to redistribute wealth or introduce an inheritance tax.
He also questioned Modi's intentions and policies, pointing out economic disparities and emphasizing the Congress's belief in inclusive economic development.
Furthermore, Ramesh called on Modi to clarify his stand on the caste census issue.
These remarks from Ramesh came after the BJP intensified its attack on the issue of "wealth redistribution" following comments made by Congress leader Sam Pitroda regarding inheritance tax. The Congress clarified that it has no plan to introduce such a tax.
In response to the BJP's allegations, the Congress has emphasized that its manifesto does not advocate "redistribution" and supports a socio-economic caste census.
