New Delhi, Feb 3 (PTI) – Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a fierce attack on the BJP-led government during the debate on the Presidential address in the Rajya Sabha, emphasizing the Constitution's role in empowering all sections of society while warning against "Manuwadi" ideologies.
Kharge, leading the Opposition's charge, asserted that the rights enjoyed by lawmakers stem from the Constitution, not Manu Smriti. Holding a copy of the ancient Hindu legal text in the Upper House, he questioned whether the Chair had read it fully.
"It is because of the Constitution that the Finance Minister got the opportunity to present the Budget, not because of Manu Smriti," Kharge stated, urging Parliament to reject regressive ideologies.
On February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman created history by presenting her eighth consecutive Union Budget, the most by any finance minister in India. However, Kharge dismissed the BJP's economic claims, alleging that under the Modi government, development, employment, and the federal structure had collapsed.
Economic and Employment Concerns
Kharge accused the Modi government of failing to drive economic growth, citing GDP figures to back his claims. "During Manmohan Singh's tenure (2004-14), India's GDP grew at 7.8%. Under the BJP, this has dropped to 5.8%," he noted.He blamed the administration for rising unemployment, stating, "Educated youth are struggling for jobs. The government has 35-40 lakh vacancies, but they remain unfilled. Is this a strategy to deny opportunities to Dalits and backward classes?"
Farmers’ Crisis and MSME Shutdowns
Kharge highlighted the worsening agricultural distress, pointing to over one lakh farmer suicides since 2014, as per National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data. "Merely increasing farm credit limits will not help. Who is responsible for these suicides? Will their welfare be ensured only after their deaths?" he asked.He also slammed the government for failing small businesses, alleging that 12,000 MSMEs shut down in just four months, while accusing the Modi regime of favoring industrialists like Gautam Adani. "Railways, ports—everything is being handed over to Adani," he charged.
On Manipur, Crimes Against Women, and Social Justice
On the law-and-order front, Kharge criticized the Centre's inaction over the Manipur crisis. "Manipur has been burning, but the Prime Minister has not visited even once. What kind of fear stops him?" he questioned.He raised concerns about increasing crimes against women and marginalized communities, citing declining conviction rates as proof of weak governance. Kharge further accused the BJP of systematically depriving Dalits, OBCs, and STs of education and employment opportunities.
Citing an RTI response, he claimed that 80-90% of IIT and IIM students belong to the general category, with minimal representation for reserved candidates. He further alleged that pre-matric scholarships for SC/STs had been cut, and aided schools in Uttar Pradesh were being shut down.
Attack on Federalism and BJP’s Historical Narratives
Kharge accused the BJP of undermining democracy by using governors to weaken opposition-ruled states. "Federalism is being destroyed. Governors in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and West Bengal are sitting on crucial files for six months," he warned.Mocking BJP’s version of history, Kharge remarked, "They believe India got independence in 2014 with Modi's election. RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat even claimed India became free with the construction of the Ayodhya temple in 2020. This is an insult to Gandhi, Nehru, and all freedom fighters."
Calling Out Modi’s "False Promises"
Labeling Modi’s 11 election guarantees—including the promise to bring back black money—as "jhoote jumlas" (false promises), Kharge also criticized the government for ignoring Mahatma Gandhi in the Presidential address and failing to increase MGNREGA allocations.As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections draw closer, Kharge’s fiery speech signals the Congress’s intent to challenge the Modi government on multiple fronts, from economic failures to social justice concerns.
