Priyanka Gandhi Slams Centre Over Rupee Depreciation and Scholarship Suspension

Congress leader criticizes PM Modi's economic policies, questions rupee's all-time low, and raises concerns over halting NTSE scholarships.

New Delhi, January 11: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra launched a scathing attack on the central government, alleging economic mismanagement and questioning the Prime Minister's earlier statements on the rupee's value. The Indian currency recently depreciated to an all-time low of ₹86.4 against the US dollar, prompting sharp criticism from opposition leaders.

Vadra recalled that during Dr. Manmohan Singh’s tenure, when the rupee stood at ₹58-59 per dollar, PM Modi linked the rupee's value to the government’s prestige and claimed to have a better understanding of the economy.

"Today, the rupee has depreciated to its lowest value ever, breaking all records. The Prime Minister must answer why his past promises remain unfulfilled," she said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

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Scholarship Suspension Sparks Backlash

Vadra also accused the government of prioritizing PM Modi’s public relations (PR) over vital welfare programs, including the suspension of the National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) scholarship.

Highlighting the importance of the program, she stated, "The NTSE scholarship, launched in 1963, has been a lifeline for countless bright students. For the past three years, this scholarship has been halted, denying opportunities to aspiring youths."

Citing a report, Vadra claimed that while ₹40 crore could have funded the NTSE scholarships for three years, the government spent ₹62 crore on the Prime Minister’s PR efforts during the same period.

"With the closure of scholarships, the road to a bright future for lakhs of youth was shut, but the Prime Minister’s PR campaigns continued," she added.

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Farmers' Protest and Jagjit Singh Dallewal

In another post, Vadra expressed concern for farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on an indefinite hunger strike. She urged PM Modi to hold talks with the farmers and address their grievances.

"The health of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal is deteriorating. It is the responsibility of the government to engage in dialogue and resolve issues impacting our farmers," she said.

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Congress Renews Attack on PM Modi's Policies

These comments come as the Congress Party ramps up criticism against the government on various fronts, including economic policies, public welfare, and the ongoing farmers’ protests.

Vadra’s statements have reignited debates over the government's priorities, drawing attention to the balance between public relations spending and funding essential programs like scholarships.

Summary:
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra continues to target the Modi government, questioning its handling of the economy and suspension of welfare schemes like NTSE scholarships. With the rupee hitting record lows and concerns over farmers’ issues growing, the opposition demands answers from the government.