V Sivadasan Slams Centre Over Inequality, Pro-Corporate Policies in Rajya Sabha

New Delhi: V Sivadasan strongly criticized the central government in the Rajya Sabha over rising economic inequality and pro-corporate policies. He was speaking during the discussion on the Finance Bill, where he remarked that India is increasingly becoming the “capital of inequality” in the world.

He pointed out that a warning issued by B. R. Ambedkar in 1950 has become a disturbing reality today. Ambedkar had cautioned that while political equality may exist, social and economic inequalities would persist. According to Sivadasan, this gap has widened significantly under the rule of BJP.

Backing his claims with economic data, the MP stated that over 40 percent of the country’s total wealth is concentrated in the hands of just one percent of the population, while the bottom 50 percent holds only around three percent. Citing studies by noted economist Thomas Piketty, he said that this top one percent accounts for 22 percent of the national income.

Sivadasan also highlighted the burden of healthcare costs, stating that around 63 million people are pushed into poverty every year due to unaffordable medical expenses. Despite government claims of having one of the world’s best insurance schemes, patients even in institutions like AIIMS are forced to spend heavily out of pocket, often leading to debt even after short hospital stays.

On taxation, he noted that personal income tax collections reached ₹12.35 lakh crore in 2024, surpassing corporate tax collections of ₹9.86 lakh crore. He argued that while the tax burden on ordinary citizens has increased over the past five years, that on corporations has decreased, raising questions about the government’s priorities.

He further criticized the rising cost of LPG, stating that in some areas people are paying up to ₹300 per kilogram, making daily life difficult for common citizens. Concluding his speech, Sivadasan invoked the words of Bhagat Singh, calling for an end to exploitation and urging the government to prioritize the rights of ordinary people over corporate interests.