‘One day they’ll want credit for COVID-19 jabs…’: BJP leaders counter Chidambaram’s claim about DBT, Aadhaar

The BJP and Congress engaged in a war of words on Friday after the International Monetary Fund dubbed India's Direct Benefit Transfer scheme as a logistical marvel and praised the innovative use of Aadhaar. While former Finance Minister P Chidambaram credited the Congress with its introduction, BJP leaders insisted that it was the Narendra Modi-led government that had expanded the schemes to benefit a huge number of people.”Before the BJP rushes to claim credit for DBT and Aadhaar, please recall when they were introduced and by which government. Aadhaar was launched on 28-1-2009. DBT was introduced on 1-1-2013. Both by the UPA government,” the senior Congress leader tweeted.

The reminder prompted a barrage of criticism from the BJP, with many top leaders lashing out at Chidambaram for having the ‘audacity to claim credit' for something he had once ‘mocked'.”Surprising how the same man who stood in Parliament to mock Digital India has the audacity today to claim credit for DBT and Aadhaar because IMF praised the moves,” BJP leader and Union minister Bhupender Yadav said. He posted an old video of Chidambaram making a speech in Parliament where he can be heard questioning the Narendra Modi government's push for digital transactions.

“Will the former, out on bail, FM, ‘honestly' tell who deserves credit after looking at some stats? 2013-14: 43 districts covered and Rs 28 crore paid through DBT. 2014-22: Over 750 districts covered and Rs 25,66,000 crore paid through DBT. Merely “introducing” a mechanism isn't enough. Truly transparent and honest approach of the Modi government led to the introduction of JAM trinity (Jan Dhan Bank Accounts, Aadhar, Mobile), Aadhar Payments Bridge, expansion of NPCI/UPI, Digital India Mission caused the DBT and Payments Revolution in India which has earned the praise of all,” BJP IT department head Amit Malviya tweeted

“DBTs were brought in to beat the malpractices put in place by previous regime! Like Aadhaar and DBTs, for which they now claim credit, they will one day want credit for COVID-19 vaccines, Kartavya Path and new parliament building – against which they spread fear and canards!” added Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.