Stop mocking poverty: Chouhan to Sonia, PM

Slamming Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi for stating that poverty was just a "state of mind," Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the Congress leadership and Planning Commission should immediately stop making fun of poverty.

"Congress leaders including its president and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Planning Commission should stop making fun of poverty," Chouhan said addressing a rally as a part of his ongoing Janashirwad Yatra at Manawar in Dhar district.

Criticising Rahul for stating in Allahabad that "poverty is just a state of mind," Chouhan said if the Congress can't provide "roti, kapda, makan" (food, clothing and house) to the people, then they have no right to make a mockery of it.

If the poverty is not measured on the basis of these three parameters, then on what basis it can be established? Chouhan asked.

Participating in a discourse in Allahabad on Monday, Rahul had said, "Poverty is just a state of mind. It does not mean the scarcity of food, money or material things. If one possesses self-confidence, then one can overcome poverty."

In this context, Gandhi had cited the example of a poor woman in Amethi, who redeemed her self-esteem by getting associated with self-help group Rajiv Gandhi Mahila Vikas Pariyojana.

However, it was later clarified that Rahul's statement was misreported.

The Madhya Pradesh chief minister also criticised the Congress leaders and Planning Commission for stating that those earning Rs 27 a day cannot be classified as poor in rural areas or one can have full meal for just Rs 15.

Chouhan said that Rahul should show the people how he will have a breakfast in just Rs 27.