Chidambaram Defends Congress' ₹1 Lakh Scheme, Calls Rival Freebies Hollow And Unrealistic

Congress, in its 2024 Lok Sabha election manifesto titled Nyayy Patra, has introduced the 'Mahalakshmi Scheme,' a proposal to provide ₹1 lakh per year to every poor Indian family through unconditional cash transfers. The payment would be directed to the oldest woman in each household. This bold promise comes amid a surprising revival for the Congress-led INDIA alliance, which defied earlier predictions and exit polls of its decline. However, the scheme has faced criticism from experts who argue that such promises are unrealistic and lack feasibility.At the India Today Mumbai Conclave 2024, Defending the scheme, former Union Finance Minister and Rajya Sabha MP P. Chidambaram emphasized that the proposal was thoroughly researched and economically viable. "We had done our sums, consulted economists, and found it doable over five years. This was not an empty promise," Chidambaram said, dismissing allegations that the Congress's promises were hollow, adding that the party is committed to implementing the scheme if it comes to power.