NEW DELHI: Mallikarjun Kharge, President of the Congress party, has launched scathing criticism against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of “terrorizing” the nation while campaigning in Assam for the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections.
Kharge asserted that Modi’s actions stem from desperation as he perceives a decline in popular support. He called upon the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to uphold fairness and ensure a level playing field during the electoral process.
In a blistering critique of Modi’s tactics, Kharge denounced the Prime Minister’s alleged misuse of agencies such as the CBI and ED to intimidate opponents. Drawing a comparison with former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Kharge highlighted Singh’s avoidance of fear-mongering during his tenure and contrasted it with Modi’s approach, suggesting a decline in Modi’s credibility.
The Congress leader’s remarks come in response to Modi’s recent criticism of the Congress manifesto, where Modi accused the opposition party of attempting to amend laws to seize citizens’ assets.
Addressing the accusations made by Modi, Kharge emphasized that the BJP is spreading falsehoods about the Congress manifesto and attempting to give it a religious connotation. He defended the manifesto, stating that its provisions are aimed at benefiting the marginalized sections of society, including the poor, youth, farmers, and women.
Kharge challenged Modi to acquaint himself with the Congress manifesto before engaging in discussions about its contents.
Speaking at a public rally in Assam’s Barpeta, Kharge accused Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of privatizing government-owned enterprises, alleging that their favored beneficiaries are Adani and Ambani. He criticized the BJP’s economic policies, accusing them of favoring wealthy businessmen at the expense of the country’s development.
Responding to an offer made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to join the BJP, Kharge asserted his role as the leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, highlighting Modi as his primary opponent in parliamentary affairs.
As Assam prepares for the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 7, with polling scheduled for four constituencies, Kharge’s remarks underscore the intensifying political rhetoric ahead of the elections. The ongoing electoral process, spanning multiple phases, will culminate in the counting of votes on June 4.
