Piyush Goyal, Union minister of commerce and industry, in an exclusive interview with Network18 Group, criticised the Congress' manifesto, accusing it of promoting "appeasement" and following Sam Pitroda's economic strategies.
“I feel it is unfortunate that after the manifesto of the Congress was released, they were completely exposed, that they are still thinking of appeasement. They are still thinking of following the economic path shown by Sam Pitroda ji. For them, the politics of discrimination still takes priority," said Goyal.
Goyal emphasised the importance of presenting the Congress party's manifesto to the public, and highlighted the need to clarify the confusion created by the Congress. Also, he underscored the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) commitment to a vision of a developed India. "The kind of confusion they tried to create in society, we felt it necessary to present it properly before the people. And I think we have not stopped talking about development and a positive agenda,” Goyal said.
The Union Minister reiterated the significance of the ongoing elections, asserting that the outcome would determine the future of the country. He criticized the Congress party's lack of clarity regarding their leadership, referring to their statement about appointing five prime ministers in five years.
“…That this election will decide the fate of the country is our focus. This election will decide whether Modi ji becomes the prime minister or on the other side is a question mark. Because even though they have said that they will appoint five prime ministers in five years, they have not been able to say who those five will be, and who will be the first,” Goyal said.
Addressing the role of Sam Pitroda, Goyal accused him of being a "trusted adviser" to the Congress party and suggested his influence on their manifesto. He expressed concern over proposals such as a 55 percent inheritance tax and alleged plans for wealth redistribution.
“Sam Pitroda ji has been their trusted adviser and for years, he used to tom-tom it too. Sam Pitroda ji was taken around the world in the name of overseas Congress and he would badmouth the country there as well. Now, when such a person talks about 55 percent inheritance tax at the same time and, I believe, that he must have definitely had a hand in the manifesto as well,” Goyal said.
Also Read: Piyush Goyal slams Congress' manifesto for 'appeasement' politics, Sam Pitroda's influence
Also Read: 'EVM tampering excuse for Rahul Gandhi's....", says Piyush Goyal to News18
Goyal cautioned against what he viewed as detrimental policies proposed by the Congress, including extensive scrutiny of savings and asset redistribution. He said, “Now, on the one hand the manifesto comes, which says we will take the details of everyone’s savings, we will investigate everyone, we will assess the savings you have. And if we talk about redistribution of wealth, then for redistributing the savings, first you will have to take it and snatch it. So, naturally that’s what they are saying.”
Also Read: 'Congress gave away land to....', alleges Piyush Goyal to Network18
Goyal also questioned the potential benefits of discussing a 55% tax rate for India, suggesting that understanding the broader context of the Congress's proposals would reveal their intentions and the direction Rahul Gandhi and his associates aim to steer the nation. He emphasized the importance of alerting the country to their mindset.
Also Read: Issuing fatwa destroys social harmony in a nation: Piyush Goyal to Network18
“Can talking about 55% tax be good for India? Now, when you connect these four links, only then can you understand what is the thinking of the Congress and in which direction Rahul Gandhi and his friends want to take the country. That is why I think we felt it necessary to alert the country about their mindset,” he said.
Also Read: BJP is the only party with presence in all states, will breach 400 mark: Piyush Goyal
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
