Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (VP)

Mangaluru, Apr 24: AICC communication coordinator, Ashwin Kumar Rai, criticized Prime Minister Modi for his hate speech in Rajasthan targeting Muslims and the Congress Party. He also alleged that the BJP party manipulated and trimmed the speech of Manmohan Singh to suit their own interests.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, April 24, Ashwini Kumar Rai stated, "The Prime Minister's recent speech in Rajasthan has made it evident that his 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' slogan rings hollow. His remarks insinuating that the Congress party intends to redistribute wealth to Muslims and prioritize a particular community under its rule are entirely baseless. Over the past 63 years, we've witnessed unprecedented levels of wealth inequality, with a significant portion of our economy concentrated in the hands of a few. If we address this issue of unequal wealth distribution, India can swiftly progress towards becoming a developed nation."

Rai also criticized the BJP for manipulating a speech by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to suit their agenda. He clarified, "In 2006, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh emphasized our collective focus on agriculture, irrigation, healthcare, and the upliftment of marginalized communities, including SCs, STs, OBCs, women, and children. He highlighted a report indicating the underdevelopment of Muslims among minorities, affirming their rightful claim to the country's resources."

He continued, "The language used by the Prime Minister is unbecoming of his position, and we believe that after 33 years, it is time to reset the economy. We need new promises and a shift towards creating an economy with equitable wealth distribution. Our ideology aligns with Gandhian Socialism, and we have introduced tax reforms targeting individuals with higher incomes, as well as implemented measures for land redistribution to promote equal wealth distribution."

"In 1998, the fertility rate among Hindus was 2.7, while among Muslims it was 3.9. Over the years, our party has focused on educating people about family planning, leading to a decline in fertility rates among Hindus to 2.3 and among Muslims to 1.94. Additionally, it is crucial to consider other factors such as mortality rates," he said.

He remarked, "The Prime Minister's assertion that the Congress and their community will revoke the reservations of Dalits and Adivasis and allocate them to Muslims is unfounded. No Prime Minister in the past has made such statements. The Congress party has taken steps to ensure that 10% reservation is reserved for economically disadvantaged individuals, irrespective of their caste or religion. The Prime Minister's distortion of Congress leaders' statements for political gain is evident. It is clear that he is leveraging this rhetoric solely for electoral purposes, and he should be more mindful of his words."

Regarding the controversy sparked by Rahul Gandhi's remarks on unequal wealth distribution and its potential impact on those who have legitimately earned wealth, Ashwini Kumar Rai responded, "Rahul Gandhi's statement about equal wealth distribution signifies a commitment to socialism, wherein wealth would be redistributed from those who possess it to those in need. Our party has embraced this principle, and our 'navsankalp' or new resolve is geared towards achieving equal wealth distribution. It is entirely incorrect for the Prime Minister to suggest that the Congress would confiscate personal belongings like mangalsutras and distribute them to Muslims. Throughout its tenure, the Congress party has never engaged in such actions."