BALASORE: Indian National Congress Party leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that both democracy and the Constitution would be at risk if the party returns to power.
“If we do not defeat the BJP in this election, our Constitution, our democracy and your future will be at risk,” Kharge said at an election rally in Balasore constituency in Odisha state.
He also highlighted fears that the country’s reservation policy for SCs, STs and OBCs would be jeopardised if the BJP comes to power.
Kharge further criticised the current government, saying, “Under the current government, youth are suffering the most. Unemployment is high and the entire country is in crisis. But Modiji seems indifferent to these issues. His only concern is to remain in power.”
Questioning Modi’s unfulfilled promises, Kharge said, “PM Modi had promised to revive black money, double farmers’ income and provide 2 crore employment opportunities to the youth every year, thereby putting Rs 1.5 lakh crore into the bank account of every citizen. Where are these promises?”
The party leader also expressed disappointment over the handling of issues such as the unrest in Manipur, accusing Prime Minister Modi of ignoring the situation and prioritizing his own political interests.
Alleging that the BJP and BJD are in alliance in Odisha, Kharge said of the apparent split between the two, “Earlier, the BJD was open to whatever the BJP wanted. Now they have parted ways temporarily but only time will tell how long this fractured alliance will last.”
Published May 29, 2024 13:55 IST
