'If you were earning ₹12 lakh during Nehru's era...': Modi
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed a public rally in Delhi's RK Puram, where he spoke about the tax relief measures introduced in the Union Budget 2025. He slammed the Congress party's past tax policies by drawing a comparison with those under former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. PM Modi said that during Nehru's era, a ₹12 lakh salary would have been taxed one-fourth of the income.
Tax comparison
Modi criticizes past Congress tax policies
He added under Indira Gandhi's government, nearly ₹10 lakh out of ₹12 lakh would have been taxed. Further, the Prime Minister highlighted even 10-12 years ago under Congress rule, an income of ₹12 lakh would have resulted in a tax payment of ₹2.6 lakh. "After yesterday's budget of the BJP govt - those who earn ₹12 lakh will not have to pay a single rupee as tax," he said.
Budget praise
Modi praises BJP's tax relief measures
In the Union Budget 2025 Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said no income tax will be payable on earnings up to ₹12 lakh. "Our middle class has a huge role in the development of India. It is only the BJP who respects the middle class and rewards the honest taxpayers," the PM said.
Election confidence
Modi expresses confidence in BJP's Delhi election win
PM Modi also expressed confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will form the government in Delhi after the upcoming elections on February 8. He called the budget "the friendliest Budget for the middle class of India." Targeting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), in his speech, he accused them of committing scams in health measures and spreading rumors about welfare schemes. He assured no jhuggi would be demolished and no welfare scheme will be closed in Delhi.
Development promise
Modi calls for 'double-engine sarkaar' in Delhi
During his campaign, PM Modi had called for a "double-engine sarkaar" for Delhi's development, promising pothole-free roads, clean water, etc. He had called both AAP and Congress "anti-poor" and "anti-adivasi," asking voters to support BJP for change. In a statement, the AAP accused PM Modi of spreading lies and criticized his focus on rallies instead of addressing issues like the Maha Kumbh tragedy. They defended their governance model as beneficial to citizens through various free services.