Kharge Takes On BJP: Accuses Modi of Lies, Riots, and Constitutional Threats
22-08-2023 : Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of propagating falsehoods, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing critique on Tuesday, asserting that the BJP employs a strategy of division and disturbance, even resorting to inciting riots in pursuit of its power-hungry motives.
In a address at a public gathering in the key town of the Bundelkhand region, Kharge kicked off the Congress’ electoral campaign for the upcoming Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections slated for this winter. He stated, “Who were the architects of India’s struggle for independence? Were Modi and Union Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah even born then? Yet, they make grand claims. There is a concerted effort underway to erode the foundations of our Constitution, but we, the Congress, and millions of Indians are standing as a bulwark to protect it.”
Highlighting the Manipur issue, the Congress leader lamented, “The situation in that state has reached a nadir, yet the Prime Minister avoids visiting there and merely pays lip service in Parliament regarding the restoration of law and order. Riots raged for three months and women were subjected to horrific assaults.”
Pointing out Modi’s empty promises of generating millions of jobs, depositing Rs 15 lakh in every citizen’s account through repatriation of illicit foreign funds, and doubling agricultural income, Kharge denounced the uncontrollable surge in prices, citing tomatoes priced at Rs 72 per kg and escalating costs of LPG, pulses, and edible oil.
“Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, born in this region, dedicated himself to the welfare of the underprivileged,” Kharge underscored.
He alleged that Modi’s acknowledgment of Sant Ravidas before elections is a mere political tactic, indicating that constructing a memorial and temple are not indicative of his intentions; his ultimate motive, as always, is to garner votes. Kharge referenced the demolition of a Ravidas shrine in Delhi in August 2019 and waved a national daily in support of his statement.
In response to Amit Shah’s challenge for Congress to present a report card for its 53 years of rule at the Center, Kharge retaliated, accusing Modi of governing Gujarat, the state with the worst malnutrition rates for children.
“The BJP consistently disregards the mandate. We won in Madhya Pradesh, but our victory was usurped. They claim to uphold democracy, image, and ideals? They assert fairness in politics while purchasing MLAs or using the ED and CVC for threats. This regime is illegitimate. Modi and Chouhan cannot have a meal without berating the Congress. Similar scenarios occurred in Karnataka and Manipur. Congress members face harassment and imprisonment,” Kharge stressed.
He criticized the improper utilization of the Bundelkhand Package in Madhya Pradesh, alleging numerous “improper” incidents and corruption.
As he neared the end of his 45-minute-long speech, Kharge promised that upon the Congress coming to power in the state, a university would be established in Sant Ravidas’ name; cooking gas cylinders would cost only Rs 500 each; Rs 1,500 would be deposited monthly in each woman’s account, progressively increasing; the first 100 units of power would be free; the old pension scheme would be reinstated, and a caste-based census conducted. His speech also outlined Congress’s achievements.
Kharge concluded by highlighting instances of “inhuman” treatment towards tribals, illustrating that the BJP fails to protect the marginalized; Dalit’s homes are demolished, and their land confiscated.
Attendees included Leader of the Opposition in the Vidhan Sabha Govind Singh, former Union Minister Kantilal Bhuria, and former Chief Ministers Digvijaya Singh and Kamal Nath.
This marks Kharge’s inaugural visit to the state since assuming the position of party head.
