Prime Minister Narendra Modi ridiculed Rahul Gandhi's 'khata khat' comment, asserting that the residents of Raebareli will also reject him.

During a rally in Uttar Pradesh's Pratapgarh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the leaders of the Samajwadi Party and Congress, referring to them as 'shehzadas'. He likened their approach to the country's development to the game of 'gilli danda', suggesting that they lack a diligent work ethic and fail to produce tangible results.

Modi remarked that these individuals, accustomed to a life of luxury, believe that the country will develop effortlessly and swiftly, dismissing the necessity for hard work and dedication.

"The prime minister added that they claim poverty will be eradicated from India 'khata khat'. He asserted that they should understand that the people of Raebareli will vote them out 'khata khat'."

Modi's jibe at Rahul Gandhi follows a pledge made by the Congress leader during a campaign rally, wherein he promised that the party would deposit ₹1 lakh into the bank account of one woman from every impoverished household nationwide if they secure victory in the elections.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also criticised Rahul Gandhi for the election pledge, raising doubts about whether the Congress had conducted a financial assessment of the proposed schemes.

Sitharaman posed critical questions to Rahul Gandhi regarding the financial implications of the 'Khata Khat' schemes, questioning whether the Congress had conducted a thorough fiscal assessment.

She further queried whether the party planned to finance the schemes through substantial borrowing or tax hikes. Sitharaman challenged Rahul Gandhi to address these pertinent queries and clarify how the proposed extensive fiscal initiatives would operate without significantly increasing taxes or borrowing, potentially jeopardising the economy.

In his ongoing criticism of the Congress and SP, the prime minister highlighted that during the Congress's six-decade rule and the SP's tenure in Uttar Pradesh, a significant portion of households lacked access to tap water, with 85% facing this issue. He underscored his government's achievement in providing drinking water to 14 crore families.

Image source: Hindustan Times