NEW DELHI, Jan 24: The Congress party on Thursday blamed the Modi government’s “wrong policies” for the rising unemployment and inflation in India, claiming that these economic issues have severely impacted lower and middle-class families. The party demanded that the upcoming budget address the increasing financial strain on citizens by providing relief from rising prices.

Congress General Secretary for Communications, Jairam Ramesh, shared a media report on X (formerly Twitter) that highlighted the “back-breaking inflation” over the past decade, which the report claims has left the pockets of common people empty. In a post, Ramesh criticized the government, saying, “The Modani government has only taken care of its rich friends in the last ten years. Ever-increasing unemployment and inflation due to wrong policies of the government have made life extremely difficult for lower and middle-class families.”

Ramesh highlighted the soaring prices of essential items such as milk, flour, pulses, petrol, diesel, and vegetables, stating that the financial burden on households is growing due to rising EMIs and the increasing cost of daily necessities. He called on the government to implement a budget that would provide much-needed relief from inflation, adding, “The country now needs a budget that provides relief from inflation!”

Ramesh also questioned whether the government would take any concrete steps to address the public’s concerns. The Congress has also raised alarms over the nation’s economic performance, with Ramesh and other party leaders claiming that the “disappointing” Quarter 2 GDP growth figures are indicative of a broader slowdown. The Congress argues that the post-pandemic economic boost is not sustainable and lacks the foundation for long-term growth.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also attacked the government’s economic policies, emphasizing that real development occurs when all sections of society benefit. He called for a fair environment for business, a just tax system, and increased wages for workers. Gandhi, who launched the ‘White T-shirt Movement’ on Sunday to champion the rights of the masses, accused the Modi government of turning its back on the poor. He urged people to join the movement, which seeks to address the needs of the common people.

The Congress has consistently criticized the government’s handling of the economy, focusing on issues such as rising prices, decreasing private investments, and stagnating wages.