New Delhi, Feb. 1 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday appeared to respond to the growing clamour for income tax relief when he hinted at the possibility during his remarks ahead of the budget session of Parliament.
Modi invoked the goddess of wealth Lakshmi and said he was praying that she be especially generous to the poor and the middle class. If his prayer were to take tangible form in Saturday's budget, it would mean more welfare schemes (which are most relevant to the poor), and income tax relief for the middle class.
"Mother Lakshmi gives us success and wisdom. She also gives prosperity and well-being. I pray that Goddess Lakshmi's special blessings be upon every poor and middle-class community," he said in his customary addre...