Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge criticised BJP in a press conference on May 3, held at Ahmedabad’s Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan, for allegedly providing a safe haven for leaders embroiled in corruption scandals. He sarcastically referred to the BJP as a ‘washing machine’ that cleanses corrupt individuals.
Kharge expressed his disappointment with the Modi government, stating that despite ten years in power, the wealth gap in India has only widened. He contrasted this with the policies of Nehru, who implemented five-year plans and established public enterprises and industries, creating jobs for the youth. Kharge accused the Modi government of failing to fulfill its promises, including the recovery of black money and the creation of three million jobs.
Speaking about Gujarat, Kharge praised Mahatma Gandhi, a native of the state, whose ideas continue to inspire people both domestically and internationally. However, he used the term ‘Mahatma’ satirically to criticise Prime Minister Modi, accusing him of hypocrisy for his extravagant wardrobe despite his pledge to live simply.
Kharge also highlighted the ideological differences between the BJP and Congress. He condemned the constitution of the RSS and criticised the Chief Minister of Assam’s statement that one of the four varnas should always serve the other three. He affirmed, ”Congress’s commitment to the ideologies of Gandhi, Nehru, Sardar Patel and Maulana Azad and to protecting Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution.”
He acknowledged Modi as a good orator but claimed that the people of Pakistan would prefer Rahul Gandhi as the Prime Minister. He praised the sacrifices made by Congress members for the unity of the country, including Indira Gandhi, who he said laid down her life to prevent the country from breaking apart.
Kharge questioned why Modi did not visit Manipur during a crisis and criticised BJP leaders for their caste and religion-based politics. He also brought up the sex scandal involving Prajwal Revanna, accusing the BJP of promoting the rape accused in Karnataka.
In response to a question about JP Nadda’s comment that most leaders from the India alliance are either in jail or on bail, Kharge retorted that the BJP had accepted 23 individuals from other parties, including MLAs and office bearers, who were corrupt but were considered clean after joining the BJP.
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