New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sharpened his attack against the Central Government while accusing it of giving tax write-offs to the "crony capitalists" but later increasing excise duty on fuel prices amid the economic crisis raised due to Covid-19 pandemic.
In his video message, Rahul Gandhi said, "Our country is facing the crisis of coronavirus, unemployment and economic distress, which has hit both poor as well as rich people. But today, the middle-class people, farmers, daily wagers, and salaried class have been severely hit by the crisis for which we urged the Center to take immediate action."
Gandhi reminded about the suggestions made by Congress party to the Central Government for implementing NYAY scheme, just for 3 months, to provide Direct Cash Benefit to the poor people, along with giving a package to the small and medium businesses who provide employment to several people.
"Small and medium businesses give 40% employment to the country and that is why we demanded the Government to safeguard them from getting into bankruptcy. Instead of doing this, the government had given tax write-offs to the 15 crony capitalists who are their friends," the Congress leader alleged.
He called the decision of increasing fuel prices as the "worst thing" done by the Modi Government.
He asserted, "Government increased petrol and diesel prices for 22 times, which means that it has hit you for 22 times directly. By increasing the fuel prices, people will have to spend more and it will also bring in inflation."
Gandhi mentioned that the price of crude oil is at an all-time low but fuel prices have touched an all-time high in India.
"We demand the Government for an immediate rollback of this decision and to stop taking extra money from the poor people," he added.
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