Staggering remarks by politicians: now, a meal for Rs. 1 New Delhi: A welter of comments by Congress leaders defending controversial new poverty figures are proving to be verdant for the opposition, which is using them to accuse the government of deceit, disconnect and deviance from the reality of raging inflation. First, Raj Babbar of the Congress said Rs. 12 buys a hearty meal in Mumbai; despite the whiplash, he refused a day later to recant. His colleague, Rasheed Masood, topped him by declaring on Thursday that Rs. 5 is sufficient for a meal near Jama Masjid in Delhi. Even Rs. 1 will do, suggested Farooq Abdullah of the National Conference, which participates in the ruling coalition at the Centre. He said on Thursday, "Feeding a stomach can cost Rs. 1 or Rs. 100. It depends on what you buy." (Comment Here) Earlier this week, the Planning Commission said the percentage of Indians living below the poverty line has fallen to 22 per cent in just seven years (from 2004-05 to 2011-12). The figures were dismissed by critics as "deeply flawed". According to the Commission, anyone with more Rs. 33 rupees to spend a day in urban areas and more than Rs. 27 a day in rural areas is counted as above the poverty line. Nitish Kumar, Bihar Chief Minister, ridiculed the government today by stating, "At a langar at a gurudwara, the poor can actually eat for free." He said remarks on how cheaply meals can be bought mock the poor. That sentiment was shared by former Finance Minister and BJP leader Yashwant Sinha who said the government must call an all-party meet to discuss the new data released by the Planning Commission. The opposition says the math is faulty and "a cruel joke" by the government to deceive voters ahead of the national election, when the Congress will seek a third term in power.
Posted on: Fri, 26 Jul 2013 07:29:53 +0000
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