Congress Leader Jairam Ramesh Slams Modi Govt Over Wealth Concentration

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh Sunday lashed out at the Modi government, accusing it of perpetuating massive wealth concentration in the hands of a few industrialists. In a scathing critique, Ramesh pointed out that while millions of Indians struggle to make ends meet, a mere 1,687 individuals hold half of the country’s wealth.

“One report after another is warning about the widespread concentration of wealth in India. On one hand, millions of Indians are struggling to meet daily needs, while on the other hand, just 1,687 people hold half of the country’s wealth,” Ramesh said in a post on X. He attributed this alarming economic inequality to the Modi government’s policies, which he claimed were designed to benefit a select few industrialists.

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Ramesh highlighted the plight of the MSME sector, which he said was under unprecedented pressure due to domestic and foreign policy failures. “The backbone of India’s economy, the MSME sector, is under unprecedented pressure. This pressure is not only a result of domestic policies but also the failures of foreign policy,” he said.

The Congress leader also pointed out that earning opportunities for ordinary people were shrinking, inflation was rising, and investment in education and healthcare was declining. He criticised the government’s handling of social security schemes, citing the wage crisis in MGNREGA, a scheme that had provided a safety net for millions.

Ramesh warned that extreme wealth concentration was not just an economic issue but a direct attack on democracy. “When economic power is concentrated in a few hands, political decisions also start aligning with their interests,” he said, adding that this was leading to widespread social and economic inequality.

The Congress leader’s remarks come amid growing concerns about economic inequality in India, with many experts and critics accusing the government of favouring the wealthy and large corporations. Ramesh’s comments are likely to fuel the debate on economic inequality and the government’s role in addressing it.