Sun Apr 27 09:16:32 UTC 2025: ## Congress Attacks Modi Government on Inequality, Citing World Bank Report
**New Delhi, April 27, 2025** – The Indian National Congress launched a scathing attack on the Modi government Sunday, citing a new World Bank report that highlights rising inequality despite significant poverty reduction. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh argued that the report, while acknowledging India’s progress in lifting millions out of extreme poverty, masks a concerning reality of widening income disparity.
The World Bank report notes a dramatic decrease in extreme poverty, from 16.2% in 2011-12 to 2.3% in 2022-23. However, Ramesh pointed out that using a more appropriate poverty line for lower-middle-income countries ($3.65/day), the poverty rate jumps to 28.1%. He further criticized the government for its handling of poverty data, alleging the suppression of previous surveys that showed negative trends.
Ramesh highlighted the vast income gap, with the top 10% earning 13 times more than the bottom 10%. He called for strengthening social welfare programs like MGNREGA and the National Food Security Act, along with tax reforms to address the regressive impact of GST and curb corporate favoritism. He also urged the government to establish a clear and updated poverty line.
The Congress leader accused the government of “data doctoring” and criticized its lack of transparency regarding poverty figures. He argued that the current economic growth model, fueled by government policies, is exacerbating inequality. The party demands immediate action to address these issues and ensure a more equitable distribution of wealth.
First Piper 