Inflation, unemployment increasing due to Modi govt: Congress

Jairam Ramesh. Pic/PTI

The Congress on Sunday blamed the Narendra Modi government for "increasing" inflation and unemployment and asserted that the party's "guarantee" of an annual financial assistance of Rs 15,000 to women Chhattisgarh would provide relief to lakhs of families, reported news agency PTI.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel announced that if the Congress retains power in Chhattisgarh, women will be given an annual financial assistance of Rs 15,000.

In a post on X on Baghel's announcement, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, "This is the guarantee of the Congress. We do what we promise. We do not indulge in 'jumlebazi' like the Prime Minister and BJP."

Inflation and unemployment are increasing due to the Modi government, Ramesh alleged.

Lakhs of families will get relief from the Gruha Lakshmi Yojana, he added.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Sunday said if the Congress retains power in Chhattisgarh, women will be given an annual financial assistance of Rs 15,000 in the state.

The announcement, which comes ahead of the second phase of Chhattisgarh elections scheduled on November 17, is being seen as a counter to the opposition BJP's promise in its poll manifesto of giving Rs 12,000 per year to married women.

"Today, on the auspicious occasion of Diwali, with the blessings of Maa Lakshmi ji and Chhattisgarh Mahtari, an important decision has been taken for women empowerment," Baghel told reporters in Raipur.

After the Congress government is formed again in Chhattisgarh, women in the state will be provided an annual assistance of Rs 15,000 directly into their bank accounts under the "Chhattisgarh Gruha Lakshmi Yojana', he said.

Baghel also wished people of the state on Diwali.

"Big Announcement: Today, on the auspicious occasion of Diwali, with the grace of Goddess Lakshmi ji and blessings of Chhattisgarh Mahtari, an important decision has been taken for the women power of the state. As soon as the Congress government is formed, the women of the state will be given Rs 15,000 per year directly into their accounts under the 'Chhattisgarh Griha Lakshmi Yojana'. Jai Lakshmi Mata, Chhattisgarh Mahtari ki Jai," posted CM Baghel on X.

Earlier on November 5 , Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel had launched the Congress manifesto for the elections promising a caste-based census, farm loan waivers, and subsided LPG cylinders to women, among other things, if voted back to power.

Bhupesh Baghel also attacked the BJP saying that their guarantees were not worth the paper it was written on.

The first phase of polling in 20 out of the total 90 assembly seats in the state was held on November 7. The remaining 70 seats will see voting on November 17.

(With inputs from PTI and ANI)