It was correct because we never claimed to it was not based on PPP equivalent.
Meals actually are available for less than Rs.123 in restaurants, but that was only one measure. Rent index is just 6% of what is over there and on the whole consumer price index with rent is just 16%. It is much less if you consider cost of transport, entertainment, etc. etc.
39% Americans make less than $20K a year, does that mean US has 39% poverty? Even greater if taken accounting dependents.
50% Of American Workers Make Less Than $28,031 A Year | Zero Hedge
At Rs. 123 nominal per person for a family of five (usual Indian household size), family income per year would be $21118 PPP equivalent.