Rahul Gandhi describes his minimum income scheme as a 'surgical strike' on poverty

"They did Demonetisation and Gabbar Singh Tax. We will give NYAY and a real GST. NYAY= Surgical Strike on Poverty = 72,000 Rs a year to India’s poorest 20%," Gandhi tweeted targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government.

Gandhi said his party will implement the scheme if voted to power in the upcoming polls.

What is the scheme?

The scheme, which has been worked out by former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram, has marked Rs. 12,000 per month as the "minimum income line".

Any poor but working person, who has an income of less than Rs. 12,000 per month, will be helped by the scheme to touch the "minimum income line". Once the person's income naturally becomes Rs. 12,000 per month, the scheme will automatically cease to work.

What Rahul Gandhi said about the scheme?

Claiming the scheme as fiscally feasible, Gandhi said: "The scheme will eradicate poverty in the country. This is the final assault on poverty."

"Today is a historical day," the Congress president said.

Gandhi said the scheme will benefit 25 crore people in the country.

When will the General Election begin?

The first phase of the Lok Sabha election will begin on Apr 11. The election will continue in seven phases till May 19.

The poll results will be declared on May 23.