Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Credit: PTI Photo
New Delhi: The Congress is planning to approach the Election Commission over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of a five-year extension to the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) free ration scheme, alleging that it was a "blatant violation" of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during election season. The grand old party, however, said it is not opposed to the scheme.
Congress sources said they were appalled to know that Modi made the announcement without the Union Cabinet discussing and deciding on the issue, especially as the announcement came during the midst of elections to five states that are being seen as semi-finals to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
However, the party is cautious about its move, as it could backfire if the BJP tries to portray the reaction as an anti-poor measure. A senior leader insisted that they are not against the scheme and are not opposing it, but highlighting the violation of election laws.
In a post on microblogging platform X, Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh said the proposed extension is not only a recognition of the "Prime Minister's flailing image" but also of the deepening economic distress and financial pain.
"A desperate Prime Minister announced a five-year extension of the PM Garib Kalyan Yojana in the midst of the Chhattisgarh election campaign. This is a blatant violation of the Model Code of Conduct. Will the Election Commission take note and act? Now, it turns out that the Union Cabinet has not yet approved the extension. Actually, it is not surprising since this is how Mr. Modi functions. The Cabinet is a non-entity. First his announcement, then Cabinet approval. Recall, November 8 2016?," he said.
In any case the PMGKAY is in itself a rebranded and repackaged version of the National Food Security Act, 2013 that, as the chief minister of Gujarat, Modi had aggressively opposed, he said.
Last week while addressing an election rally in Chhattisgarh, Modi had said the government will extend for five years the free ration scheme, covering 80 crore poor people.