‘Couldn’t Even Open Bank Accounts’: PM Modi Mocks Cong Over NYAY

Image used for representational purposes.

(Photo: Altered by The Quint)

Addressing a rally in Meerut on Thursday, 28 March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a dig at the Congress' minimum income scheme by asking how they will directly transfer money when they couldn't open bank accounts.

“People who couldn’t open bank accounts are now saying that they will directly transfer money to the poor, what will they possibly do?”

The Congress’ Nyuntam Aay Yojana (NYAY) intends to directly transfer Rs 72,000 to bank accounts of beneficiaries.

In a press conference, soon after the prime minister's address, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala slammed Modi for "mocking the poor."

"It is unfortunate that when we speak of 'NYAY', Modi mocks the poor of the country. Previously, he had mocked the poor of the country during demonetisation, this shows his true character," Surjewala said.

It was “unacceptable” that PM Modi opposed the minimum income scheme that empowers the poor of the country by giving ₹72,000 annually, he added.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday, 26 March, said the BJP government slapped on people demonetisation and "Gabbar Singh Tax", while his party would give them the 'NYAY' income guarantee scheme and "real" GST if it comes to power.

“They did demonetisation and Gabbar Singh Tax. We will give NYAY and a real GST. NYAY= Surgical strike on poverty = Rs 72,000 a year to India’s poorest 20 percent,” he said on Twitter.

(With inputs from PTI, IANS)