 |
|
Mallikarjun Kharge, president of the Indian National Congress, launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing them of employing divisive tactics to consolidate their power. His remarks, delivered at a rally in New Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, focused on the alleged surveys conducted in mosques and dargahs, which he characterized as an attempt to incite religious conflict and undermine India's secular fabric. Kharge argued that these actions, coupled with the BJP's broader policies, are eroding the very foundations of the Indian Constitution, a document he lauded for its role in uplifting marginalized communities. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive caste census to accurately reflect the socio-economic realities of different communities within India, a move he believes will promote inclusivity and address persistent inequalities.
Kharge's speech directly challenged the BJP's narrative, highlighting the incongruity between Modi's calls for national unity and the government's actions, which Kharge portrays as deliberately divisive. He referenced RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's past statement against the idea of finding temples under mosques, underscoring the internal contradictions within the Sangh Parivar. The Congress leader framed the BJP's actions as a calculated strategy to divide and rule, contrasting it with the Congress's commitment to fostering unity amongst diverse groups through socio-economic reforms. He directly accused the BJP of prioritizing caste leaders over the welfare of the general population, emphasizing that the BJP's actions are driven by a deep-seated hatred for the common people. Kharge painted a grim picture of the BJP's rule, asserting that it has undermined democratic institutions, suppressed opposition voices, and curtailed press freedom.
Kharge further detailed a range of policies and actions that the Congress party opposes, including the BJP's attempts to weaken the Constitution, the suppression of the media and opposition voices, and the alleged pursuit of 400 seats in parliament to facilitate constitutional changes. He specifically mentioned the Congress's commitment to fighting against the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), demanding fair and transparent elections. He cited Rahul Gandhi's recent yatras as a crucial initiative in bringing the concerns of ordinary Indians to the forefront of the national political discourse. Kharge also outlined the Congress's agenda, which includes addressing the issues of youth unemployment, fair wages for laborers, the protection of minorities and farmers, the preservation of tribal lands and forests, and the prevention of privatization of public sector undertakings. He reiterated the Congress party's commitment to a comprehensive caste census, the removal of the 50% reservation limit, and the guarantee of minimum support prices for farmers.
Kharge's speech served as a rallying cry, calling for a united front against what he sees as the BJP's destructive policies. He emphasized the importance of protecting India's constitutional values and democratic institutions. The rally itself, organized by the Scheduled Castes (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Minorities and Adivasi Parisangh, underscored the Congress's efforts to consolidate support amongst diverse marginalized communities. The speech highlighted the critical juncture in Indian politics, where the clash between the BJP's approach to governance and the Congress's vision for a more inclusive and equitable society is sharply defined. The Congress party clearly aims to capitalize on the perceived shortcomings of the BJP's governance by presenting itself as a champion of the common people, unified against the BJP's alleged divisive and anti-democratic practices.
Source: Kharge hits out at PM Modi, Amit Shah over ‘surveys’ in mosques