Middle-class, which banged thalis and lit torched on PM Modi's request stabbed by govt in Budget through indexation: Rahul Gandhi

Attacking Modi government on Budget announcements and particularly on removing indexation benefits for LTCG taxation, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi today said that the middle-class, which banged thalis and light torch during on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's request has been stabbed by govt in the Budget.

"The middle-class was the biggest supporter of Modi ji . They played thali for you, lit up mobile phones during Covid on the request of PM Modi. You've stabbed the middle class of India with a knife in the back and another in the chest through indexation removal and the hike in LTCG. It's unfortunate. However, for the INDIA bloc, there's an unexpected advantage," he said.



Rahul Gandhi also used the metaphor of 'chakravyuh' to describe what he sees as a climate of fear pervading the country. He criticized the 2024-25 Union Budget, alleging that its main purpose is to bolster monopolistic capitalism, political control, and the deep state. During the Lok Sabha debate on the budget, Gandhi likened the pervasive fear to a 'chakravyuh,' asserting that it ensnares everyone, including BJP MPs, farmers, and workers.

He drew a parallel to the Mahabharat legend, where Abhimanyu was trapped and killed in a 'chakravyuh'—a complex, multi-layered formation. Gandhi noted that this formation is also known as 'Padmavyūha,' resembling a lotus, which is the symbol of the BJP.

"We will dismantle the 'chakravyuh' that has been constructed," Gandhi said, promising that the opposition would address this issue by advocating for a caste census.

He claimed that a modern-day 'chakravyuh,' symbolized by the lotus worn by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is currently ensnaring youth, women, farmers, and MSMEs. According to Gandhi, this contemporary 'chakravyuh' is upheld by three forces: monopolistic capital, institutions like the CBI, ED, and IT department, and the political executive.