Political Controversy Erupts Over PM Modi's Extension of Free Ration Scheme

In a recent development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement to extend the Centre's free ration scheme by five more years has ignited a political controversy. Opposition parties have seized upon this decision, contending that it implies an acknowledgment of economic distress and persistent hunger among 80 crore Indians after nearly a decade of BJP rule.

However, the Opposition finds themselves in a delicate position because the scheme benefits a majority of the Indian population, making it challenging for them, particularly the Congress, to openly oppose it, despite the substantial burden it places on the exchequer, estimated at Rs 2 lakh crore. The Congress, in particular, has made a series of pledges in states facing upcoming elections, including subsidies on gas cylinders, monthly financial assistance for female heads of households, free electricity, and healthcare insurance schemes.

Rather than framing it as a mere extension of a government program, the Congress has portrayed it as an implicit admission by the Prime Minister that his administration's economic policies have driven up essential commodity prices and left the economy in turmoil. This situation has compelled the government to extend the PM Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY) for another five years.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has even taken the matter to the Election Commission, claiming that the Prime Minister's announcement during election campaigns in five states violates the model code of conduct. Narendra Modi made these announcements during rallies in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh over the weekend.

During a press conference in Bhopal, Jairam Ramesh, the Congress communications head, emphasized that the Prime Minister's announcement reflects ongoing economic distress. He stated, "This means poverty and economic distress is continuing, especially since demonetization and the hasty rollout of GST... they talk about inflation rate but the prices of essential commodities have risen so much that people are not able to bear it, forcing the Prime Minister to extend the PMGKAY for five more years."

Ramesh also highlighted the Prime Minister's earlier opposition to the National Food Security Act (NFSA) during his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, noting that the PMGKAY essentially mirrors the NFSA, which already covered 80 crore Indians. This isn't the only policy reversal attributed to him, as he also had to adjust his stance on the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which proved vital during the pandemic.

The TMC's objection centers on the timing and context of the announcement, which they perceive as an attempt by the ruling party to influence voters ahead of the elections and disrupt a level playing field. TMC's Saket Gokhale contended that Modi could have made the extension announcement at any time, but choosing to do so during an election rally demonstrates his desperation and a breach of the code of conduct.

He cited the Model Code of Conduct's clause regarding the "party in power," which prohibits the announcement of financial grants or promises once elections are announced. Gokhale argued that since the Prime Minister made this policy announcement while campaigning for the BJP, it constitutes a clear violation of the Model Code of Conduct in effect for the upcoming Assembly Elections in Chhattisgarh. He called for the election body to take action against Modi.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj K Jha weighed in, urging the Prime Minister to refrain from characterizing welfare initiatives and schemes as mere handouts. He pointed out that certain commitments stem from India's status as a welfare state, and denying the existence of hunger contradicts India's position on the global hunger index. Jha humorously suggested that the Prime Minister should stop using the term "free" and refrain from referring to welfare programs as "revdi," a term that implies giveaways.