BJP says PM's economic package will make India self-reliant, Congress dubs it mere headline
Story highlights
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said it was not just a financial package but a reform stimulus, a mindset overhaul and a thrust in governance.
Congress party has dubbed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation one that gave the country a headline, saying the nation is disappointed by his "failure" to address the woes of millions of migrants.
The Congress remarks came even as the ruling BJP hailed the Rs 20 lakh crore economic stimulus announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the world's largest holistic package with Home Minister Amit Shah saying that the Modi government took decisions in the interest of the country.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said it was not just a financial package but a reform stimulus, a mindset overhaul and a thrust in governance.
Sorry everybody for the typo: please read as Rs 20 lakh crore. https://t.co/w3x6p59ifl
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) May 12, 2020
"The 21st century will be defined by India, Hon PM's message today has laid foundation stone for implementing this. AatmanirbharBharat is our Mantra for driving country towards this new change," BJP president Nadda tweeted.
"PM has declared the world's largest holistic relief package. The Modi govt has given financial packages of Rs 20 lakh crore to support every section of the society. It is around 10% of Indian GDP. Hon PM's proactive approach will build a 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'," he added.
Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the heartbreaking human tragedy of migrants walking back home needed compassion and care.
"Dear PM, What you said today gives the country and the media a HEADLINE," he said on Twitter.
"When the 'blank page' is filled with 'Heartfelt help of people', the nation and Congress party will respond.
"India is deeply disappointed by your utter lack of empathy, sensitivity and failure to address the woes of millions of migrant workers," he said on Twitter.
2/2
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) May 12, 2020
Dear PM,
The mammoth heart breaking human tragedy of migrant workers walking back home needed compassion, care & safe return.
India is deeply disappointed by your utter lack of empathy, sensitivity & failure to address the woes of millions of #MigrantWorkers !
His colleague, Manish Tewari, tweeted, "PMs speech can be summed up in one word - HEADLINE HUNTING. A NUMBER -20 LAKH CRORES. NO DETAILS."
Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, however, welcomed the package.
"The financial package announced by PM Modiji was much awaited. Better late than never. We welcome this," he tweeted.
In a big push to revive the COVID-hit economy, Modi announced massive new financial incentives on top of the previously announced packages for a combined stimulus of Rs 20 lakh crore, saying the coronavirus crisis has provided India an opportunity to become self-reliant and emerge as the best in the world.