5 April, 24: In a scathing critique of the Modi government's policies, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to social media to condemn the withdrawal of railway concessions for senior citizens. In his recent post, Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of burdening the elderly while letting industrialists off the hook, alleging that the government has waived off loans worth crores for them.
According to Gandhi, the BJP-led government's decision to abolish discounts on railway fares for senior citizens has resulted in a sudden revenue surge of over ₹5800 crores for the Indian Railways. Expressing solidarity with elderly train travelers, the Congress leader assured them that if his party comes to power, the concessions would be reinstated to alleviate their financial burden.
Highlighting the plight of senior citizens, who are now deprived of these benefits, Gandhi portrayed the move as emblematic of the government's callous disregard for the welfare of its elderly citizens. He urged the people of India to reflect on the true intentions of the ruling dispensation and hold them accountable for their actions.
The decision to scrap railway concessions for senior citizens, as revealed in a response to an RTI query, has sparked widespread outrage and prompted calls for a reevaluation of the government's policies. As the issue gains traction, the stage is set for a contentious debate on the priorities and values upheld by the country's leadership.
In response to Gandhi's criticism, supporters of the ruling party have defended the decision, citing financial constraints and the need for fiscal prudence in managing the country's resources. However, the opposition remains steadfast in its commitment to championing the rights and interests of all segments of society, particularly the vulnerable and marginalized.
