Congress President Kharge accuses Centre of trampling democracy over Adani issue
Mallikarjun Kharge slams government's use of probe agencies to bend opponents
27-03-2023 : The Congress president, Mallikarjun Kharge, strongly criticized the Centre on Monday for their handling of the Adani issue and the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi as Lok Sabha MP. He claimed that the opposition leaders wore black attire to demonstrate their concern that democracy was being trampled in the country. Kharge also accused the Centre of using probe agencies to pressure those who did not submit to the government’s wishes.
Kharge made these remarks during a joint opposition march from the Parliament complex towards Vijay Chowk, where opposition leaders came together to protest against the Centre’s actions. The leaders wore black attire as a mark of protest against the government’s handling of the Adani Group issue.
The Congress leader called for the constitution of a Joint Parliamentary Committee to investigate the matter. He emphasized that transparency would be ensured once the report is made public. Kharge questioned the government’s reluctance to constitute the JPC and pointed out that the ruling party and its allies would have a larger representation on the committee.
Opposition parties from 18 different parties participated in the meeting. TMC chief and West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, also supported Rahul Gandhi and the opposition leaders. She criticized the Centre for targeting opposition leaders and disqualifying them for their speeches, while allowing BJP leaders with criminal antecedents into the cabinet. Banerjee’s support for the opposition leaders was welcomed by Kharge, who thanked everyone who supported their cause.
The Congress MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, had previously worn black clothes and staged a protest against the Centre in August 2022. They had marched towards the Rashtrapati Bhavan as part of their stir against rising prices, GST hike on essential items, and unemployment.
Kharge’s comments during the joint opposition march highlighted the opposition’s concerns about the Centre’s handling of the Adani issue and their targeting of opposition leaders. The demand for the constitution of a JPC and the call for transparency in the matter were also emphasized.
