Congress set to present 'Black Paper' countering Modi 'White Paper': Sources
PTC News Desk: Congress is reportedly preparing to counter the BJP-led Centre's forthcoming 'White Paper' on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governance with its own document, dubbed the 'Black Paper', according to sources cited by news agency ANI.
The proposed 'Black Paper' is expected to scrutinise the performance of the Modi government over the past decade. It is anticipated to be presented by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, as per the sources. In contrast, the BJP-led government is planning to present its 'White Paper' during the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to introduce the 'White Paper' in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.
BJP leader Jayant Sinha, who chairs the Standing Committee on Finance, stated during a recent debate in Lok Sabha that the 'White Paper' aims to illustrate the economic situation of India before and after 2014, when PM Modi took office. Sinha emphasised the improvements made by the Modi administration, contrasting them with what he described as the "poor economic condition" inherited from the Congress-led UPA government. Sinha highlighted indicators such as GDP growth, inflation rates, and the rise in non-performing assets (NPAs) of banks during the UPA regime to underscore the economic challenges faced by India at that time.
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Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman echoed these sentiments in her Interim Budget speech, asserting that the economic crises of the pre-2014 era had been successfully addressed by the current government, leading to sustained growth and development. However, the Congress party seems poised to challenge this narrative with its 'Black Paper', aiming to provide a different perspective on the Modi government's tenure.
The ongoing Budget Session of Parliament, which has been extended by a day until Saturday (February 10), is expected to witness the presentation of the 'White Paper'. This extension indicates the significance attached to the government's document and underscores the political stakes involved in the ensuing debate. As the country approaches the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, scheduled to take place between April and May, the clash between the 'White Paper' and the anticipated 'Black Paper' underscores the intense political polarization and the battle for narrative supremacy ahead of the polls.
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(Inputs from agencies)
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