Bengaluru: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a blistering attack on the BJP-led Central government on Republic Day Sunday, accusing it of undermining constitutional values, compromising governance and failing on economic fronts.
Addressing Congress workers after unfurling the tricolour at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee office here, Kharge emphasised the need to safeguard the Constitution and announced the party’s upcoming ‘Gandhi Bharat’ programme in Indore.
Kharge mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s claim of striving to make India the third-largest economy. “Despite lofty statements, India remains the fifth-largest economy, a position secured by Congress-led UPA during its tenure,” he said. Kharge asserted that BJP’s economic policies had favoured the rich while ignoring the struggles of the poor and the marginalised.
“Congress worked to build the economy, but under BJP, there is no meaningful progress. The disparity between the rich and poor is growing, and the focus is on benefiting a select few,” he added.
The Congress President accused the BJP government of “degrading” democratic institutions, interfering in autonomous bodies, and centralising power. He pointed out the weakening of federalism, stating that the Centre was “curtailing” the rights of Opposition-ruled states.
He also highlighted the BJP’s failure to address critical issues such as the ongoing unrest in Manipur for over 21 months, which he called a glaring example of poor governance and lack of accountability.
Kharge announced the ‘Gandhi Bharat’ programme scheduled for January 27 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, to commemorate the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and BR Ambedkar.
He revealed that the event, to be held in the Indore Cantonment, would draw large crowds and address the damage done by BJP leaders to the independence of institutions and the nation’s democratic ethos.
“We aim to educate people about how Modi and Shah have disrespected great leaders like BR Ambedkar and Gandhiji while trampling on the values they stood for,” he said. Kharge urged Congress workers to propagate the slogan ‘Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan’ to unite people against the BJP’s “divisive” agenda.
As India celebrates its 75th Republic Day, Kharge stressed the importance of functioning in accordance with the Constitution. He accused the BJP of attacking citizens’ rights, particularly the independence of women, and fostering a divisive environment through religious fundamentalism.
“The weaker sections of society—SCs, STs, OBCs, minorities, and the poor, are being treated as second-class citizens,” Kharge said, adding that the country needed a government that prioritised unity and inclusivity over hatred and inequality.
Kharge reaffirmed Congress party’s commitment to strengthening India’s democratic and economic foundations while continuing its struggle for social justice. UNI
