Speaking on ‘inheritance tax’ and Rahul Gandhi’s ‘X-ray’ comments, PM Modi slams Congress’ ideology

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has no plans to adopt or even examine the “inheritance tax,” according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who made this claim amid the heated 2024 Lok Sabha debate.  In an interview with News18, PM Modi attacked the Congress manifesto, calling it the “stamp of the Muslim League” and stressing that it is his duty to present the facts as they stand.

Modi also addressed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s proposal for conducting an X-ray or a socio-economic survey to identify which sections are lagging behind and subsequently redistributing wealth. He characterized the concept of “X-ray” as involving raids on every household. Modi illustrated that under such a scheme, even if a woman are to conceal gold where she stores grains, it would be subject to scrutiny and potential confiscation.

In its manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha election, the Congress promises equitable access to institutional credit from banks and places a strong emphasis on the economic empowerment of minorities. In the interview, Modi alluded to Sam Pitroda’s remarks about inheritance tax in an indirect manner, drawing a comparison between the BJP’s emphasis on development and what he sees as the Congress’s emphasis on “plundering.”

Responding to questions about the BJP’s stance on inheritance tax, Modi clarified that the party’s ideology is outlined in its manifesto and there are no plans to adopt the Congress’s proposal. He emphasized the importance of understanding each political party’s manifesto during elections, dismissing the notion of imposing others’ ideas on the BJP.

Modi also addressed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s suggestion of conducting a social-economic survey to redistribute wealth, likening it to a Maoist ideology of “urban Naxal” thought. He criticized the concept of conducting household raids and confiscating assets, suggesting it would disrupt households without serving any constructive purpose.

Regarding his government’s initiatives for people’s welfare, Modi highlighted the construction of 4 crore houses for the poor and emphasized the need for continued progress in this area. He also mentioned the significant financial inclusion achieved through initiatives like Jan Dhan, mobile, and Aadhaar, which facilitated direct benefit transfers totaling ₹36 lakh crore into people’s accounts over the past decade.