While hitting a new low, even by his own standards, ex UPA minister and notorious lawyer P Chidambaram insulted Indians, calling them heartless if they did not buy into the much touted promise of the NYAY scheme proposed by the Congress party.
During a press interaction, Chidambaram was questioned as to how the much the touted NYAY scheme shall be funded with. Dismissing the concerns, Chidambaram nonchalantly mentioned, “If a country cannot set apart less than 1 per cent of its GDP for 20 per cent of its population it’s a country ruled by heartless people, by callous people. We are talking about less than 1 per cent of the GDP towards NYAY. I challenge any economist to come and tell me that this is not doable.”
The NYAY scheme is a plan promised in the Congress manifesto. According to this scheme, 20 percent of the Indian population, which belongs to the poorest category, shall receive a fixed income of ₹ 72000 per annum. This would amount to around ₹3.6 lakh crores, which is approximately 3 percent of the total GDP.
Going by Congress’ track record in the last 10 years, as well as the amount of freebies that would possibly be extracted from the national exchequer, the scheme was criticized by one and all, including members of the NITI Aayog.
However, Congress has given bizarre justifications for implementing this scheme, and hasn’t even hesitated from mocking the Indians for refusing this offer. Just this week, Rahul Gandhi’s mentor and Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda justified the imminent taxation of middle class for this scheme, asking them not to be selfish. Is there no limit to such shamelessness?
Though atrocious, Chidambaram’s justification wasn’t entirely unexpected. He is notorious for having mocked the Indians, as well as the armed forces before as well. When inflation was at an all time high in 2012, Chidambaram had mocked the people protesting against the same. He referred to the protestors as hypocrites, who would readily buy ice cream and mineral water, but not essential goods at high prices. As such, it comes as no surprise if the former Home as well as Finance Minister makes such a bizarre justification for the laughable NYAY scheme.
If there is one good thing that has happened after the Pulwama attacks, it is the revealing of Congress’ true face. Following the inevitable retaliation through airstrikes, the Congress party, riding high on the false notions of supremacy post the December elections of MP, Rajasthan and Chattisgarh assembly, turned completely senile. In order to remain in the limelight, they’re resorting to all means possible, even if it makes them laughing stocks for the nation, as well as the whole world. P Chidambaram’s statement is just that desperate attempt.
