Jharsuguda (Odisha): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday accused the Congress of having looted the country, claiming the party even taxed low-income earners. Speaking at the ‘Namo Yuva Samabesh’ in Jharsuguda, he warned people against the alleged exploitation by the Congress and its allies.
“The Congress left no opportunity to exploit the people, imposing taxes on those earning as little as Rs 2 lakh annually. Under the BJP government, this threshold has been raised to over Rs 12 lakh. Be wary of the Congress and its allies—they exploit the people,” Modi said.
He further alleged that the Congress criticized the BJP after the Centre reformed the GST regime to provide relief to citizens. “When our government reduced the price of cement, the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh levied its own tax. When GST rates were cut, prices fell nationwide, but the Congress refuses to pass on this benefit to the people,” the PM claimed.
The GST Council recently rationalized tax rates into a two-tier structure of 5% and 18%, effective from September 22, aiming to reduce prices of many goods and services.
Modi also highlighted Odisha’s development under a ‘double-engine’ government—referring to BJP rule both at the Centre and in the state. “Odisha, long plagued by poverty, is now moving toward prosperity,” he said, adding that the government is prioritizing the empowerment of the poor, Dalits, and tribals.
Stressing the vision of an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, he said, “From chip to ship, India must be self-reliant in everything.” He also announced that the Centre has approved two semiconductor units in Odisha.
Highlighting infrastructure improvements, Modi mentioned the launch of the Berhampur-Udhna Amrit Bharat train, which will benefit Odia residents in Gujarat. On BSNL’s new indigenous 4G network, he noted, “India is now among five countries globally with indigenous 4G telecom technology.”
The prime minister concluded by praising Odisha’s rich heritage, saying the state’s love for art and culture is globally renowned.
