Expressing her confidence in the BJP-led NDA securing a third consecutive term in government, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the electorate's desire for stability and certainty in governance during an exclusive interview with India Today TV. Sitharaman attributed this confidence to the people's recognition of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives over the past decade, which have resonated strongly with voters.
She remarked that there is a palpable buzz on the ground indicating a preference for a stable government, emphasizing the electorate's confidence in the BJP's ability to deliver on its promises. Sitharaman noted the significant turnout in elections, particularly among women and youth, who have expressed satisfaction with the benefits derived from government schemes. She highlighted the importance of tangible results over mere promises, particularly for demographics traditionally underserved by political initiatives.
Responding to Rahul Gandhi's accusations of crony capitalism within the BJP government, Sitharaman dismissed the allegations as politically motivated rhetoric. She pointed out the historical prevalence of crony capitalism within Congress administrations, dating back to the eras of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi. Sitharaman criticized Gandhi's tendency to make unsubstantiated claims, noting his reliance on inflammatory rhetoric without factual evidence.
Addressing the controversy surrounding PM Modi's remarks regarding the potential redistribution of wealth under a Congress government, Sitharaman accused Congress and the INDIA bloc of engaging in divisive appeasement politics. She criticized the proposal to allocate resources based on religious criteria, characterizing it as a form of communal polarization. Sitharaman further highlighted instances of communal rhetoric within the INDIA bloc, including calls for religious reservations, attributing such sentiments to the ideological stance of the Congress party.
