Parliament Budget Session 2025: EC says will respond in writing to Rahul Gandhi's Maharashtra voter fraud allegations

Cabinet approved allocation of Rs 8,800 crore for Skill India Programme

This focuses on three areas
1) PM Kaushal Yojna 4.0
2) PM National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme
3) Jan Shikshan Sansthan

Cabinet likely to approve Rs 7000 crore for BSNL

New I-T law: No new taxes, simple read for common man

The new Income Tax Bill, which will replace the six-decade old Income Tax Act of 1961, will make direct tax laws simple to understand, remove ambiguities and reduce litigations. The law, which is expected to be tabled in Parliament in the Budget session, will go to the Standing Committee on Finance for further scrutiny, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said.
Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey has already indicated that the new Bill will not have provisos and explanations or long sentences. It will be tax neutral.

Q. Why is a review of the I-T Act needed?


A. Income tax law was enacted about 60 years ago in 1961 and since then a lot of changes have taken place in the society, in the way people earn money and companies do business. The 1961 Act was framed at a time when Indian republic was young and faced challenges peculiar to those times. Over the time, as the country progressed, the Income Tax Act was amended to keep pace with changing times. Presently, technology has changed the way people pay taxes and file return of income. There is also a system where ITR forms are pre-filled based on data available to the tax department from various other sources, like TDS statement filed by banks, employers, forex dealers and at the time of property transactions.

In view of the technological advancement and changes in the socio-economic fabric of the country, there is a pressing need to completely overhaul the archaic Income Tax Act which has become bulky on account of hundreds of amendments in the law. It was become almost impossible for the common man to comprehend the law and multiple references to different sections, sub-sections, and provisos.


Q. What did the Finance Minister announce?


A. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Budget speech on July 23, 2024, had announced a comprehensive review of the Income Tax Act, 1961, within six months. The purpose of the review is to make the Act concise, lucid, easy to read and understand, Sitharaman had said in her July 2024 budget speech. This will reduce disputes and litigations, thereby providing tax certainty to the taxpayers. It will also bring down the demand embroiled in litigation, she had said.

In her 2025-26 Budget speech on February 1, 2025, she announced that the Bill will be introduced in Parliament in the ongoing Budget session.


Q. What the new Income Tax Act proposes to do?


A. The new law is expected to be leaner and more reader-friendly, which even a common man could comprehend. The intention of the government is to halve the volume and make the language simpler so that taxpayer can know his exact tax liability. It would also help in reducing litigations and thereby cut down on disputed tax demands.


Q. How will the new law will be leaner?


A. The Income Tax Act, 1961, deals with imposition of direct taxes -- personal I-T, corporate tax, securities transaction tax, besides gift and wealth tax. The Act currently has about 298 sections and 23 chapters. Over the time, the government has abolished various levies including wealth tax, gift tax, fringe benefit tax and banking cash transaction tax.

Also, the new income tax regime from 2022 had added to the size of the I-T Act as it necessitated amendment. Accordingly, several sections have been amended, added, removed or have become obsolete over the last 6 decades. The new Act will be free of all the amendments and sections which are no longer relevant. Also the language will be such that people can comprehend it without any assistance from tax experts.


Q. Will it mean a higher tax burden for common man?


A. In all likelihood, the whole exercise will be undertaken in a revenue neutral manner as the objective would be to simplify the language and compliance procedures. Tweaking income tax rates in the new Income Tax law is unlikely as it is usually done through Finance Act which is part of the Union Budget presented in Parliament every year on February 1. All amendments announced in FY26 Budget will be incorporated in the new Bill.


Q. Has the government made any attempts in the past to come out with a new income tax law?


A. In 2010, 'The Direct Taxes Code Bill, 2010' was introduced in the Parliament. It was referred to the Standing Committee for scrutiny. The Bill, however, lapsed because of the change in government in 2014. In November 2017, the government had set up a six-member committee to redraft the Income Tax Act. The panel had submitted its report to finance minister in August 2019.

DMK flags in LS arrest of TN fishermen by Sri Lanka, leads oppn protest in Parliament complex

DMK members on Friday raised slogans in the Lok Sabha and held a protest in the Parliament complex with other opposition MPs over the arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan navy, seeking the Centre's intervention. They sought a permanent solution to the issue. Several DMK members raised slogans in the Lok Sabha soon after Question Hour to register their protest.

After the Chair allowed her to speak on the matter, party MP Kanimozhi claimed fishermen from the state are being harassed and arrested by the Sri Lankan authorities and more than 97 of them are lodged in jails of the neighbouring country.

She claimed that the fishermen are shot at and tortured, and over 210 fishing boats have been seized by Sri Lanka, impacting their livelihood.

Led by the DMK, MPs from Congress and Left parties from Tamil Nadu held a protest in the Parliament complex.

Holding placards reading "Justice For Tamil Fishermen", "Bring Back Our Fishermen", "No More Arrests" and "Tamil Nadu Fishermen Are Indians", the MPs demanded that the government find a permanent solution to the issue.

TMC's Derek O'Brien and CPI(ML) Liberation's Sudama Prasad were also part of the protest.

DMK MP Tiruchi Siva said Tamil fishermen's arrest is a national issue as they are Indians who are being mistreated by Sri Lanka.

Parliament Budget Session: NDA MPs from Bihar felicitate PM Modi for Budget announcements for State

On Friday, around 30 Bihar MPs from BJP, JD(U), and other NDA parties met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament to express gratitude for the Budget announcements benefiting their state. With Bihar’s Assembly elections set for November, the state received significant attention in Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget. Key highlights included the expansion of Patna Airport, four new greenfield airports, and a brownfield airport at Bihta. Sitharaman also mentioned the Western Kosi Canal ERM project in Mithilanchal, which will benefit over 50,000 hectares of farmland.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar praised the Budget as "progressive and forward-thinking," emphasizing initiatives like the creation of the Makhana Board, greenfield airports, and the Western Kosi Canal project. In a post on X, he expressed optimism that these measures would accelerate Bihar's economic growth and infrastructure development, benefiting farmers and improving connectivity with international flights.

'We spoke about all the provisions given to Bihar in this year's Budget,' says Chirag Paswan on meeting of 30 Bihar MPs from BJP, JDU and allies with PM Modi

On Bihar MPs meeting PM Modi, Union Minister Chirag Paswan says, "All MPs from Bihar met PM Modi today and we spoke about all the provisions given to Bihar in this year's Budget. We have been demanding most of these provisions for a long time... I have been demanding that there are only two branches of NIFTEM and one more should be opened. Now, a new branch of NIFTEM is being opened in Bihar. What can be more joyous than this?"

More voters in Maharashtra than total adult population of state, claims Rahul Gandhi

On Friday, Congress, Shiv Sena-UBT, and NCP-SS alleged irregularities in Maharashtra's voter lists, claiming 39 lakh voters were added between the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. At a joint press conference, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi questioned the validity of these additions, pointing out that the 39 lakh voters were equivalent to the population of a state like Himachal Pradesh. He urged the Election Commission (EC) to provide the voter lists and clarify the issue.

Flanked by NCP-SS's Supriya Sule and Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut, Gandhi noted that Maharashtra's adult population is 9.54 crore, yet the voter list stands at 9.7 crore. He emphasized that most of the new voters appeared to favor the BJP, while opposition parties maintained their vote share.

Gandhi warned that if the EC does not release the voter lists, it would raise serious concerns. He also hinted at approaching the judiciary for further action. Raut added that the EC must ensure transparency.

'Doing cover fire as he knows that after February 8, Delhi Election results, Congress will be nowhere in Delhi': Fadnavis hits back at Rahul

On Rahul Gandhi's allegations, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says, "Election Commission has categorically replied to all the questions. Rahul Gandhi is doing a cover fire as he knows that after the February 8, Delhi Election results, his party will be nowhere in Delhi and hence, what he will speak on that day, how he will create a new narrative, he is practising for the same. If Rahul Gandhi does not introspect and will continue to console himself with lies - his party's revival isn't possible. Rahul Gandhi should introspect his defeat."

EC says will respond in writing to Rahul Gandhi's Maharashtra voter fraud allegations

'If the Election Commission of the country is 'alive' - they must answer what Rahul Gandhi has asked,' says Sanjay Raut

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut says, "If the Election Commission of the country is 'alive' - they must answer what Rahul Gandhi ji has asked. But, the election commission won't reply as they have become the slave of the govt which was formed... From where these additional 39 lakh voters will go? They will go to Bihar. We have seen a few of them in Delhi elections. They will now go to Bihar and then UP..."

If EC is alive, it should answer questions posed by Rahul Gandhi; else it will be construed EC is slave to govt: Sanjay Raut

I appeal to EC to answer questions raised by Opposition; it is important for democracy: Sanjay Raut.

On Friday, Rahul Gandhi, Sanjay Raut, and Supriya Sule raised concerns over discrepancies in Maharashtra's voter list for the recent elections. At a joint press conference in Delhi, Rahul claimed that after scrutinizing voter data, many irregularities were found.

He highlighted the addition of 39 lakh voters between the 2024 Lok Sabha and 2019 Vidhan Sabha elections, compared to just 32 lakh in the previous five years. Rahul questioned the sudden rise in voter numbers, suggesting it was equivalent to the voter base of Himachal Pradesh, and pointed out the unexplained increase in Maharashtra's voter count.

We've found numerous irregularities (in Maharashtra elections): Rahul Gandhi

Our team has meticulously studied the voters' list and voting patterns, and we've been working on this for some time. Unfortunately, we've found numerous irregularities. It's essential for the country, particularly young people who champion and believe in democracy, to be aware of and understand these findings: Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi alleges irregularities in Maharashtra assembly elections

Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, "We represent on this table - the entire opposition that fought the last election in Maharashtra. We are going to bring some information about the election. We studied the details - the voters and the voting list. Our teams have been working, and we have found many irregularities..."

Why are more being added after Lok Sabha elections than 5 years prior? Rahul Gandhi questions

Rahul Gandhi said: In five years between Vidhan Sabha 2019 and Lok Sabha elections in 2024 32 lakh voters were added to the electoral rolls. In a period of five months (from Lok Sabha polls to Maharashtra assembly elections), 39 lakh new voters were added in Maharashtra. Why are more being added after Lok Sabha elections than 5 years prior?

Rahul Gandhi begins his press conference at Delhi's Constitution club

Rahul Gandhi is holding a press conference alongside Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Sanjay Raut and NCP (SCP)'s Supriya Sule.

Parliament Budget Session: RJD's Manoj Jha demands govt action to address rising income inequality

RJD MP Manoj Jha on Friday called on the Centre to take "urgent steps" to address the growing income inequality, warning that the widening earnings gap posed a threat not only to the economy but also to social stability. Speaking during Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha, Jha highlighted the stark contrast between the rising incomes of the wealthy and the declining earnings of the middle- and lower-income groups, particularly in the unorganised sector. He noted that this trend had accelerated post-Covid, with the rich getting richer while the working class saw their incomes shrink.

Jha emphasised that income disparity affects various aspects of society, including democracy. He argued that as capital becomes increasingly concentrated, it begins to influence politics, which can undermine democratic processes. He also pointed out the negative impact on education and healthcare. Warning of dire consequences, Jha urged the government to take immediate and effective action to address this issue.

Opposition MPs demand presence of finance minister during discussion on Union Budget 2025-26

Acting chair of Lok Sabha said presence of finance minister is a convention and not a mandate. BJP MP Anurag Thakur and parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju also disputed the demand and said the minister was present in the discussion on Thursday.

Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla intervened and stated that in future, finance minister will be present during the initiation of discussion on budget.

'PM Modi must get rid of this thinking': Manickam Tagore on 'Congress phobia'

Congress MP Manickam Tagore criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday for attacking Congress during his Rajya Sabha speech, calling it a sign of his "Congress phobia." Tagore emphasised that the speech, intended for the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address, focused unnecessarily on Congress. He suggested that Modi should overcome his obsession with Congress and concentrate on fulfilling promises made to the people of India.

Tagore also raised concerns over the mistreatment of Indian nationals deported from the US, condemning the harsh treatment they received. He described the deportees being "chained" and treated like "goats and sheep" on the flight back, expressing disappointment at the government’s weak response to such incidents. He argued that the government should take a stronger stance in protecting its citizens abroad.

In contrast, PM Modi had accused Congress of appeasement politics, praising the BJP-led government's approach to ensuring progress through "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas."

Opposition MPs from Tamil Nadu protest outside Parliament, demand repatriation of Indian fishermen from Sri Lanka

Opposition MPs from Tamil Nadu protested at Parliament on Friday, demanding the release of Indian fishermen detained by Sri Lankan forces. The parliamentarians raised slogans and displayed banners to voice their concerns.

Earlier, the opposition expressed dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Modi’s reply in the Rajya Sabha, accusing him of ignoring key issues like inflation and unemployment. Tensions between Indian fishermen and Sri Lankan authorities have been escalating, with incidents such as the recent release of six Indian fishermen detained in Sri Lanka. Their return to Chennai was facilitated by the Fisheries Department, but disputes over fishing rights in the Palk Strait continue.

The situation worsened after two Indian fishermen from Karaikal were injured when the Sri Lankan Navy allegedly opened fire on them in the Jaffna Sea. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has called for immediate diplomatic action to secure the release of detained fishermen and prevent future conflicts.

Around 30 Bihar MPs from BJP, JD(U), and NDA allies met PM Narendra Modi in Parliament today

Parliament Budget Session: Proceedings begin in both Houses

Proceedings began in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha at 11am.

Parliament Budget Session: Congress' Manish Tewari slams Jaishankar's statement on deportation from US

Congress MP Manish Tewari strongly criticised external affairs minister S Jaishankar's statement in the Lok Sabha about the deportation of Indian nationals from the US. He accused the minister of defending the use of handcuffs and shackles by the Trump administration, calling it "deeply shocking and acutely disturbing." Tewari expressed that Jaishankar’s comments seemed more fitting for a "mid-level official of the US government" than India’s Foreign Minister.

Tewari shared his concerns on X (formerly Twitter), stating that Jaishankar’s justification for the use of restraints by the US was troubling. He particularly pointed to Jaishankar's statement regarding the authentication of American documents from 2012 that outlined these procedures, raising doubts about India's stance on the issue. Tewari questioned whether the government’s priority lay with the humiliating treatment of Indian citizens or with those responsible for such treatment, pointing out that countries like Mexico, Colombia, and Guatemala had shown more self-respect in similar situations.

The issue arose when a US Air Force plane carrying 104 deported Indian nationals landed in Amritsar, Punjab, on February 5. Opposition parties condemned the "inhuman" manner of deportation, alleging mistreatment and the use of handcuffs. Jaishankar responded in Parliament, stating that deportations are not new and reaffirmed that the US follows standard procedures, including the use of restraints, as part of a process dating back to 2012. He emphasized ongoing engagement with the US to prevent mistreatment of deportees during flights and promised legal action against those involved in illegal immigration.

Parliament Budget Session: Congress MP Manickam Tagore moves adjournment motion demanding immediate statement by the Prime Minister 'on inhumane treatment of Indian Nationals in the US'

Parliament Budget Session: 'USA's plane should not have been allowed to take off and go back,' says Sanjay Raut on deportation of illegal Indian immigrants from the US

On deportation of illegal Indian immigrants from the US, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut says, "They are illegal immigrants for America. However, Indian laws were applicable once their flight entered the Indian border. For us, they are not criminals. The shackles on their feet and hands should have been removed... This was a violation of the law... USA's plane should not have been allowed to take off and go back..."

PM Modi takes 'licence raj, appeasement jibes' at Congress in Rajya Sabha, says 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' collective responsibility

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his reply to the motion of thanks to the President's Address in the Rajya Sabha, took sharp jabs at the Congress party, accusing it of harboring "hatred and anger" towards BR Ambedkar and promoting a "license quota raj." He argued that the Congress had obstructed the constitutional recognition of the OBC panel, which the BJP-led government later granted. Modi emphasized that the current government focuses on the welfare of the poor, marginalized, and the middle class, countering Congress' alleged focus on family-centric politics and appeasement.

Modi criticized Congress for its historical disdain towards Ambedkar, highlighting their refusal to award him the Bharat Ratna and their attempts to defeat him in elections. He also accused the party of destabilizing governments to limit others' progress. The PM praised Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and HD Deve Gowda for their longevity in public life but mocked Kharge's recitation of a poem, using it to subtly attack Congress.

Drawing attention to the "license raj" of the past, Modi explained how it stifled India's growth, resulting in a weak economy. He highlighted the current government's focus on infrastructure, industry, and poverty alleviation. Modi lauded initiatives like "Make in India" and the rise in defense exports, asserting that India is now a global leader in mobile manufacturing and economic growth.

Parliament Budget Session: Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan lashes out at Rahul Gandhi

Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticised Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday for his remarks about the National Education Policy (NEP), accusing him of lacking knowledge about India's history and languages. Pradhan said Gandhi and Congress leaders disrespect the constitutional system and oppose NEP. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement that all Indian languages are national languages. Pradhan also highlighted the efforts of the University Grants Commission (UGC), CBSE, and NCERT to promote education in all 22 scheduled languages, prioritizing regional language textbooks. He condemned Gandhi's stance as politically motivated and aimed at creating confusion. Pradhan also emphasized the BJP's respect for Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar and the historical role of university chancellors as Governors.

Parliament Budget Session: Opposition slams ‘inhuman treatment’ of migrants by US, attacks govt

The deportation of Indian migrants in a US military aircraft with handcuffs triggered outrage in Parliament on Thursday, as the opposition protested the “inhuman treatment” by America and chided the Modi govt for keeping quiet on the issue.

The protests forced repeated adjournments in Lok Sabha, with the House failing to transact any business. The opposition also demanded a statement from PM Narendra Modi.

The INDIA bloc comprising Congress, Samajwadi Party, DMK, NCP, Shiv Sena, Left parties among others, barring TMC, also held protests at the main entrance of the Parliament building, raising slogans against handcuffing of Indians and comparing it with “slavery” and carrying placards like “Humans. Not prisoners”. Among those present were Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, Gaurav Gogoi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Shashi Tharoor, Randeep Surjewala, Manickam Tagore, Hibi Eden, KC Venugopal, NK Premachandran, Rajiv Shukla and Kanimozhi.

They said a smaller country like Colombia could tick off the US for such ill-treatment of its citizens, but the Modi govt was unable to muster courage to confront Donald Trump.

Parliament Budget Session: Congress bungled economy, Hindus got blamed, says PM Modi

PM Modi Thursday blamed Congress for India’s slow growth rate in the first four decades after Independence, and also said it hounded filmstars and artistes during the Emergency.

In his reply to the motion of thanks on President’s address in Rajya Sabha, Modi said Congress’s “failure” in “governance” and its “corruption and incompetence” led the world to use “Hindu rate of growth” — a term coined by economist Raj Krishna and considered disparaging to the community — to signi fy India’s weak growth rate. They (Congress) failed, but “blamed an entire civilisation for it,” Modi said.

'He spoke about how Congress against the ideology of BR Ambedkar,' says JDU's Sanjay Jha on PM Modi's speech

"He spoke about how Congress against the ideology of BR Ambedkar...he spoke about the condition of India (during Congress regime). He spoke about the development that is happening right now," JDU MP Sanjay Kumar Jha tells news agency ANI.

Amount of work done during our tenure to empower poor has never been done before, PM Modi tells Rajya Sabha

"The slow growth from the license-permit-quota system was called the "Hindu rate of growth" globally, tarnishing the Hindu community due to the policies of the Shahi Parivar": PM Modi

'Shahi Parivar's policies insulted big section': PM Modi on 'Hindu Growth Rate'

"Due to the slow growth rate caused by the license-permit-quota system, it was referred to as the "Hindu rate of growth." all over the world. The entire Hindu society was abused because of the policy of the Shahi Parivar," says PM Modi.

PM Modi criticises License Raj, calls it 'oppressive system'

"Technologies like ATMs took decades to arrive in India. Similarly, when we were colonized, innovations like the BCG vaccine and others were already happening in the world, but it took decades for these to reach India," says PM Modi. "The license-permit raj was such an oppressive system that the country couldn't progress. This was the hallmark of Congress's rule," he added.

PM Modi lists out decade-old projects that his government completed

The Saryu Nahar Project for agriculture in Uttar Pradesh was approved in 1972 but remained stuck for five decades. In 2022, we completed this long-pending project. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail line in Jammu and Kashmir was approved in 1994 but remained pending for three decades. We will complete this project in 2025, says PM Modi.

'Atkana, bhatkana, latkana' is the culture of Congress,' says PM Modi

"Atkana, bhatkana, latkana" is the culture of Congress, where political considerations often interfered with project execution. To free ourselves from this Congress culture, we introduced the PRAGATI initiative, through which we monitor infrastructure projects. Oxford University studied this and concluded that other developing countries can learn from India's PRAGATI experience to bring about changes in their own infrastructure," says PM Modi.

'We pulled out 25 crore people out of poverty, made tax zero for big section of middle class,' claims PM Modi

"We pulled out 25 crore people out of poverty. It's a matter of pride for our government. The people who came out of poverty are neo-middle class," says PM Modi. "We want to strengthen the middle class and the neo-middle class. In this Budget, we have made no tax on income up to Rs 12 lakh", the PM added.

PM Modi takes dig at Congress chief Kharge with a sher

Kharge ji recites sher, and I remember one too: "Tamasha karne walon ko kya khabar, hamne kitne tufanon ko paar kar diya, jalaya hai."

People attacks opposition over UCC

"Today, we are moving forward by respecting and taking inspiration from the makers of our Constitution. Some people must be thinking of what this UCC (Uniform Civil Code) is. Those who will read about the Constitution debate will get to know the truth," says PM Modi.

Word Constitution does not suit Congress, the party killed spirit of Constitution during Emergency: PM Modi

George Fernandes was put in shackles, he was handcuffed despite being the member of the House. The word Consitution does not the Congress party, says PM Modi.

All movies of Dev Anand was prohibited on Doordarshan as he refused to support Emergency, says PM Modi

For years, Congress kept the Constitution in their pocket. When Kishore Kumar refused to sing for them, all his songs were banned from All India Radio, says PM Modi.

Freedom of expression was oppressed by making amendment to Constitution during stopgap arrangement, says PM Modi

"Makers of the Constitution should have been respected, but Congress soon after the Independence the sentiments of Constitution makers were trashed. Can you imagine when there was no elected government in the India and there was a stopgap arrangement...an amendment was made to the Constitution during that time. He (Nehru) oppressed the freedom of speech. This was the disrespect to the sentiment of the Constitution," said PM Modi in Rajya Sabha

We called the border villages not last but first village, says PM Modi

Congress abandoned small villages along the border. We addressed the issue psychologically and called the border villages first and not the last villages, says PM Modi.

We came up with PM Janman Yojna for Tribal welfare, says PM Modi

"We came up with PM Janman Yojna for Tribal welfare disbursed Rs 24,000 crore for the scheme to help those section of society", says PM Modi

Large fishing community is benefitting from our policies, says PM Modi

"We created a separate ministry for the large fishing community and extended the benefits, including credit card advantages, that were previously available to farmers," says PM Modi.

Indian toys export increased three times, says PM Modi

"Today, our toy exports have tripled, and the benefits are reaching communities living at the lowest levels of society," said PM Modi.

PM Vishwakarma scheme was launched to uplift ignored section of society, says PM Modi

Baba Sahab urged industrialization for Dalits' livelihoods, but his ideas were ignored until 2014. In 2014, our government gave priority to skill development and financial inclusion. We launched the PM Vishwakarma scheme to uplift the section of society that was ignored by all, says PM Modi

Congress hated Ambedkar, never considered him worthy of Bharat Ratna, claims PM Modi

"Congress always hated Baba Saheb Ambedkar and every word he spoke became a challenge for them—all the documents related to this are still available. To defeat him in elections, they did whatever they could. He was never considered worthy of the Bharat Ratna," said PM Modi.