Did Congress Fail to Eradicate Poverty in 75 Years?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Congress's historical failure to address poverty over 75 years.
- Critique of Congress by BJP MP Sambit Patra.
- Introduction of GST aimed at simplifying taxation.
- Recent GST rate cuts to benefit consumers.
- Assertion that Modi's governance is making reforms possible.
New Delhi, Sep 4 (NationPress) BJP MP Sambit Patra launched a scathing critique of Congress on Thursday, alleging that the party squandered 75 years of India's governance by offering mere slogans like “Garibi Hatao” while neglecting to implement substantial reforms.
During a press conference held at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, Patra traced a line of criticism from former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi to Sonia Gandhi, labeling the Congress record as “a narrative of lost chances and hollow commitments.”
Patra asserted that Congress “did nothing to eradicate poverty” despite decades of rule. “Starting with Prime Minister Nehru, followed by his daughter Indira Gandhi, her son Rajiv Gandhi, and later Sonia Gandhi as a shadow Prime Minister-- none of them delivered. Today, Rahul Gandhi has not received this opportunity from the populace,” he stated.
Targeting Congress, he remarked, “Whenever something positive occurs in the nation, Congress finds a reason to lament.”
The BJP leader contrasted this with the Modi government’s economic and tax reforms, especially regarding the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Patra emphasized that while Congress had the chance to implement a unified tax system, it failed to take action.
“They had the opportunity to introduce GST and streamline the tax framework before us, but all they provided was the slogan ‘Garibi Hatao’,” he remarked.
Highlighting the recent GST rate reductions announced on Thursday, Patra claimed these reforms would directly benefit families.
“Today’s newspaper headlines have brought joy to people’s faces. Almost all items will become cheaper starting September 22 -- the day Navratra begins,” he stated.
Essential food items such as rice, wheat, and dairy products, along with medicines, healthcare services, agricultural products, tractor parts, bicycles, toothpaste, and even electronics, would witness reduced rates, he added.
He described the cuts in health and insurance premiums as the “biggest leap,” calling it a reform designed to alleviate burdens for patients and families.
“This is not just a reform; it is a package of happiness. Modi hai toh mumkin hai,” Patra proclaimed.