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Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), has launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its top leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, asserting that they lack the power to alter the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. Kharge specifically targeted the terms “Secular” and “Socialist,” emphasizing that neither the current BJP leaders nor their successors could expunge these words from the nation’s foundational document. His remarks were delivered during a public gathering held at LB Stadium in Hyderabad, an event dubbed “Samajika Nyaya Samara Bheri,” aimed at directly engaging with the grassroots levels of the Congress party’s leadership. The event was also attended by Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, members of his cabinet, and leaders from the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC). Kharge's address underscored the Congress party’s commitment to upholding the principles enshrined in the Constitution and countering what he perceives as the BJP's attempts to undermine these principles. He confidently predicted that the Congress party would replicate its success in Telangana at the national level, forming the government at the Centre. This assertion reflects a broader strategy by the Congress to reinvigorate its base and project itself as a viable alternative to the BJP in the upcoming elections. The choice of Hyderabad as the venue for this significant public meeting is strategic, given Telangana's political landscape and the Congress party's recent electoral gains in the state. By directly engaging with local leaders and the public, Kharge aims to galvanize support and solidify the party's position in the region. His focus on the Constitution and its core principles resonates with a significant portion of the electorate that values the secular and socialist ideals upon which the nation was founded. Kharge's challenge to the BJP regarding the Preamble highlights a key point of contention between the two parties. The BJP has often been accused by its opponents of promoting a Hindu nationalist agenda, which they argue is incompatible with the secular principles of the Constitution. By defending the terms “Secular” and “Socialist,” Kharge is positioning the Congress party as the guardian of these principles and a defender of India's pluralistic identity. His remarks also serve as a call to action for Congress workers and supporters to resist any attempts to alter the Constitution and to uphold its values. The AICC president's strong stance reflects a growing sense of urgency within the Congress party to counter what it perceives as the BJP's attempts to erode the foundations of Indian democracy. The party is seeking to rally support from various sections of society, including religious minorities, marginalized communities, and those who believe in the importance of secularism and social justice. Kharge's address is not merely a political statement; it is a reaffirmation of the Congress party's commitment to the ideals that have shaped India's identity as a democratic and inclusive nation. The upcoming elections will be a crucial test of strength between the Congress and the BJP, and the debate over the Constitution and its interpretation will likely play a significant role in shaping the political discourse.
Echoing Kharge’s sentiments, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy assured the audience that he would steer the Congress party towards victory in 100 Assembly seats and 15 Lok Sabha seats in the upcoming elections. Reddy's declaration underscores the confidence and optimism within the Telangana Congress following their recent electoral success in the state. His ambitious targets reflect a broader strategy to expand the party's footprint in both state and national politics. By aligning himself with Kharge's message and emphasizing the importance of the Constitution, Reddy is seeking to solidify the Congress party's position as the defender of democratic values and social justice. The commitment to securing a significant number of Assembly and Lok Sabha seats signals the party's determination to play a major role in shaping the future of the state and the nation. Reddy's leadership in Telangana has been instrumental in the Congress party's resurgence in the region. His ability to connect with voters and address their concerns has helped to rebuild the party's base and attract new supporters. By emphasizing the importance of electoral success, Reddy is motivating party workers and leaders to work together towards a common goal. His remarks also serve as a message to the BJP, indicating that the Congress party is ready to challenge their dominance and compete for political power. The upcoming elections will be a crucial test of strength between the Congress and the BJP in Telangana. Reddy's leadership and the party's ability to mobilize support will be key factors in determining the outcome. By focusing on local issues and addressing the needs of the people, the Congress party hopes to gain a significant advantage over its rivals. The commitment to winning 100 Assembly seats and 15 Lok Sabha seats demonstrates the party's ambition and determination to play a leading role in shaping the future of Telangana and the nation. Revanth Reddy's support for Kharge highlights the unity within the Congress party. By speaking with one voice, the party aims to present a united front against the BJP and project itself as a credible alternative in the upcoming elections. This unity will be crucial in overcoming the challenges that lie ahead and achieving the party's goals.
Kharge further intensified his criticism by referencing the BJP’s own constitution, highlighting its pledge to uphold socialism, secularism, and democracy. He quoted Article 2 of the BJP's constitution, which states that the party shall bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India and its principles of socialism, secularism, and democracy. This tactic served to expose what he perceives as a contradiction between the BJP's rhetoric and its foundational principles. By directly quoting from the BJP's constitution, Kharge aimed to undermine their credibility and challenge their commitment to the values they claim to uphold. He questioned the BJP's motives, asking why they would include these values in their founding document if they were so despised. This rhetorical question was intended to resonate with voters and expose what he sees as the BJP's hypocrisy. The use of the BJP's own words against them is a powerful tactic that can be effective in swaying public opinion. Kharge's attack on the BJP's credibility is a key element of the Congress party's strategy to weaken their rival and gain an advantage in the upcoming elections. By highlighting the perceived contradictions in the BJP's positions, the Congress party hopes to convince voters that the BJP is not sincere in its commitment to the Constitution and its values. This strategy is particularly important in a country like India, where the Constitution is highly revered and its principles are widely cherished. The ability to effectively communicate these contradictions to the public will be crucial in shaping the outcome of the upcoming elections. Kharge's focus on the BJP's constitution demonstrates his understanding of the importance of legal and constitutional arguments in the political arena. By using the BJP's own words against them, he is attempting to frame the debate in a way that favors the Congress party. This tactic also serves to legitimize the Congress party's criticism and make it more difficult for the BJP to dismiss their concerns. The emphasis on the Constitution and its values is a reminder of the Congress party's historical role in shaping India's democratic institutions. By positioning itself as the defender of these institutions, the Congress party hopes to attract support from those who value democracy and the rule of law.
Kharge went on to accuse the BJP of making hollow promises, while highlighting the Congress party’s track record of delivering on its commitments, particularly in areas such as women’s empowerment and financial assistance to farmers. He emphasized that the Congress party seeks votes based on the merits of its work and its tangible achievements. This strategy aims to differentiate the Congress party from the BJP by focusing on their respective records and highlighting the concrete benefits that the Congress party has delivered to the people. Kharge pointed out that the Congress party has kept its promises, particularly in areas that are important to voters, such as women's empowerment and agricultural support. By highlighting these achievements, he hopes to convince voters that the Congress party is a reliable and trustworthy party that can deliver on its promises. The emphasis on tangible results is a key element of the Congress party's strategy to win back support from voters who have become disillusioned with the BJP. Kharge's focus on women's empowerment and financial assistance to farmers is particularly relevant in a country like India, where these issues are of great concern to a large segment of the population. By addressing these issues directly, the Congress party hopes to connect with voters and demonstrate its commitment to their well-being. The strategy of highlighting achievements is a common tactic in political campaigns, but it can be particularly effective when a party has a strong record to point to. The Congress party's emphasis on its achievements is a reminder of its historical role in shaping India's development and its commitment to social justice. By positioning itself as the party that delivers results, the Congress party hopes to regain the trust of voters and regain its position as a leading political force in the country. The upcoming elections will be a crucial test of strength between the Congress and the BJP, and the ability to effectively communicate their respective records to the public will be a key factor in determining the outcome.
Furthermore, Kharge mentioned the government’s plans to introduce legislation such as the Rohith Vemula Act, aimed at eradicating institutional discrimination, and a law designed for the welfare of gig workers. These proposed legislations serve as evidence of the Congress party's commitment to addressing social justice issues and protecting the rights of vulnerable populations. The Rohith Vemula Act, named after a Dalit student who tragically took his own life after facing discrimination, seeks to prevent similar incidents of institutional discrimination in educational institutions. The proposed law for the welfare of gig workers aims to provide social security and labor rights to workers in the informal sector, who are often exploited and lack adequate protection. By mentioning these proposed legislations, Kharge is demonstrating the Congress party's commitment to addressing the needs of marginalized communities and promoting social justice. These initiatives are intended to resonate with voters who are concerned about inequality and discrimination and who believe that the government has a responsibility to protect the rights of all citizens. The Congress party's focus on social justice is a key element of its strategy to win back support from voters who have become disillusioned with the BJP's policies. The Rohith Vemula Act and the proposed law for gig workers are concrete examples of how the Congress party plans to address these issues and create a more just and equitable society. By highlighting these initiatives, the Congress party hopes to convince voters that it is the only party that truly cares about the well-being of all Indians, regardless of their caste, religion, or economic status. The upcoming elections will be a crucial test of strength between the Congress and the BJP, and the ability to effectively communicate its social justice agenda to the public will be a key factor in determining the outcome. The Congress party's commitment to these initiatives is a reminder of its historical role in fighting for social justice and promoting equality. By positioning itself as the champion of marginalized communities, the Congress party hopes to regain the trust of voters and regain its position as a leading political force in the country.
Kharge also criticized the Prime Minister regarding Operation Sindoor, highlighting that the Congress party and other parties had extended full support to the BJP in its efforts against Pakistan. He accused Modi of making claims of acting against Pakistan while failing to take concrete action. Kharge further questioned Modi's inaction in reclaiming Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), asking, "Who stopped you from doing it?" This critique aims to expose what Kharge perceives as the Prime Minister's lack of resolve in addressing national security issues. By highlighting the Congress party's support for the BJP in its efforts against Pakistan, Kharge is seeking to demonstrate the party's commitment to national security and its willingness to work together with other parties in the national interest. However, he also uses this opportunity to attack Modi's leadership and accuse him of failing to take decisive action against Pakistan. The question of why Modi has not reclaimed PoK is a direct challenge to his credibility and a signal to voters that he is not as strong on national security as he claims to be. This line of attack is intended to undermine Modi's image and portray him as someone who is more interested in rhetoric than in action. The debate over national security is a key element of the political discourse in India, and the upcoming elections will likely be influenced by public perceptions of which party is best equipped to protect the country from external threats. Kharge's critique of Modi on this issue is a reminder of the Congress party's historical role in defending India's borders and promoting its national interests. By positioning itself as the party that is committed to both national security and international cooperation, the Congress party hopes to attract support from voters who are concerned about India's place in the world. The upcoming elections will be a crucial test of strength between the Congress and the BJP, and the ability to effectively communicate their respective visions for India's future will be a key factor in determining the outcome.
Kharge's multifaceted critique, encompassing constitutional principles, economic promises, and national security concerns, represents a comprehensive strategy to challenge the BJP's dominance and position the Congress party as a viable alternative in the upcoming elections. By addressing a wide range of issues and targeting different segments of the population, Kharge hopes to create a broad-based coalition of support that can propel the Congress party back to power. His emphasis on the Constitution and its values is intended to resonate with voters who are concerned about the erosion of democratic institutions and the protection of minority rights. His focus on economic issues is intended to appeal to voters who are struggling with poverty and inequality. His critique of Modi's leadership on national security is intended to tap into concerns about India's vulnerability to external threats. By combining these different strands of argument into a cohesive narrative, Kharge hopes to convince voters that the Congress party is the only party that can truly represent their interests and lead India towards a brighter future. The upcoming elections will be a crucial test of strength between the Congress and the BJP, and the ability to effectively communicate their respective visions for India's future will be a key factor in determining the outcome. The Congress party's strategy is based on the belief that voters are looking for a change and that they are willing to give the party another chance to prove itself. By offering a clear and compelling vision for the future, the Congress party hopes to regain the trust of voters and regain its position as a leading political force in the country. The challenges facing the Congress party are significant, but Kharge's leadership and the party's renewed focus on its core values give it a fighting chance of success. The outcome of the upcoming elections will depend on the ability of the Congress party to connect with voters and persuade them that it is the best party to lead India into the future.
Source: Congress will never allow BJP to change Preamble: AICC president Kharge