Says ready to align with like-minded parties to defeat BJP in 2024 LS polls
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday said his party is willing to forge a viable alternative by aligning with like-minded parties in order to get rid of the “anti-people” BJP government in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, and is ready to make any sacrifice required to achieve the goal.
In his address at the Congress’ 85th plenary session, Kharge also took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the “pradhan sevak of Delhi, who gets advertisements printed every day, is serving his own friend”.
The Congress chief launched a blistering attack on the BJP-led government at the Centre, alleging that “the DNA of those sitting in Delhi is anti-poor” and they are attempting to “destroy” democracy. He also called for a people’s movement against the prevailing situation in the country.
Hailing party leader Rahul Gandhi for the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Kharge said the Kanyakumari-to-Kashmir march united the country with people from all walks of life coming together.
The yatra emerged as a strong voice against the unprecedented challenges that people face today, Kharge said.
“Such challenges include continuing assault on the constitutional values, democracy and social fabric of our country, issues of national security at the border with China, the prevailing atmosphere of hatred and fear, all-time high inflation, record unemployment and the increasing economic inequality,” he said.
In the prevailing difficult circumstances, the Congress is the only party that can provide capable and decisive leadership to the country, Kharge asserted.
From 2004 to 2014, the Congress-led alliance with like-minded parties effectively served the people of the country, he noted.
“We once again look forward to forging a viable alternative by aligning with like-minded parties to defeat the anti-people and undemocratic BJP government.
“We are ready to strive for the welfare of the people of our country and (will make) whatever sacrifices that are required,” Kharge said. Kharge also said the goal for the upcoming state elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls is clear.
The Congress president’s remarks assume significance as they come amid talk of forging Opposition unity. The Congress’ vehement criticism of the TMC has drawn a sharp response from the party, signalling cracks in the Opposition ranks.
In his address, Kharge also alleged that the people in power were attacking people’s rights and there is a need for a movement against such attempts.
He also raised the slogan of “Seva, sangharsh aur balidan, sabse pehle Hindustan (Service, struggle, sacrifice. The country comes first)”.
Kharge also claimed that the BJP is breaking parliamentary and constitutional traditions and “misusing” agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for toppling governments.
He also launched an attack on the government over the border issue with China, claiming that the Chinese intruded but the “PM said no one has come in”.
