New Delhi, Mar 12: Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday criticised the BJP-led Centre over rising income and wealth inequality in India, citing findings from the World Inequality Report 2026.
Speaking during the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address in the Rajya Sabha, Kharge alleged that the growth model of the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) favours a small group of wealthy capitalists.
In a post on the social media platform X, Kharge shared excerpts of his remarks in the Upper House, claiming that economic policies under the present dispensation have widened the gap between the rich and the poor.Referring to the report published by the World Inequality Lab, he said nearly 40 per cent of India’s total wealth is concentrated with the top one per cent of the population, while the top 10 per cent own about 65 per cent of household assets.
He also said that the top 10 per cent account for around 58 per cent of the national income, whereas the bottom 50 per cent receive about 15 per cent.
Alleging that the government’s economic policies benefit select corporate groups, Kharge said the ruling party’s development model does not adequately address the concerns of working people.
The debate took place during the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament. The Motion of Thanks was moved in the Rajya Sabha by BJP MP Sadananad Master in response to President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the joint sitting of Parliament that marked the start of the session.
Both Houses of Parliament are scheduled to continue discussions on the motion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was expected to reply to the debate in the Lok Sabha earlier, but the House was adjourned following repeated disruptions by Opposition members.He is likely to respond to the discussion in the Rajya Sabha as the debate continues.
