Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning his allegations of black money purportedly sent to the Congress party by industrialists Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani. Speaking at an election rally in Bihar's Samastipur, Kharge challenged the Prime Minister's assertions, questioning the lack of action from the Modi government if such allegations were indeed true.
"PM Modi says we are silent on Ambani and Adani, we are not... I am asking why did his government not take any action if, according to his allegation, we received black money from these industrialists? Is it because they themselves received black money?" Kharge alleged, as quoted by news agency PTI, accusing PM Modi of helping them.
"He used to say Congress is abusing Adani, Ambani which is anti-national... Were you sleeping when they were sending black money? What were you doing? Were also you involved in the loot... you have admitted that Adani, Ambani have black money who give it to the BJP not us," he remarked, mentioning that the grand old party is accused of pestering businessmen by the Prime Minister.
Kharge, while addressing the rally, reiterated the historical contributions of the Congress party to the nation, citing sacrifices made by former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi for national unity. He also emphasised the pivotal role played by leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Rajendra Prasad in securing the right to franchise for Indian citizens.
"BJP says that Congress is working to destroy the country. Whereas Indira Gandhi ji and Rajiv Gandhi ji sacrificed their lives to keep the country united. Congress leaders even sacrificed their lives for the country. Modiji, tell us what have you done for the country?" he asked.
"Congress fought for the independence of our nation, paving the way for leaders like Modi to become Prime Minister," Kharge asserted, underlining the party's longstanding commitment to the nation's progress.
"This election is to save democracy and the Constitution. This is an election to save the Constitution written by Babasaheb Ambedkar. We have to fight unitedly to protect democracy and the Constitution. The country got independence from Congress leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Rajendra Prasad, Ambedkar, Maulana Azad and Sardar Patel. What was the role of BJP-RSS in the freedom struggle?" he remarked.
PM Modi's Re-Election Chances Dim, Claims Kharge
In a press conference held alongside Bihar allies Dipankar Bhattacharya of the CPI (ML) L and Manoj Kumar Jha of the RJD, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge cast doubt on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's prospects for re-election, suggesting it will be "extremely difficult" for him to form the next government.
"After three phases of Lok Sabha polls, I can safely say it is going to be extremely difficult for Modi to become the PM again - a reason why he has given up speaking about achievements of his 10 years in power and is trying to create a Hindu-Muslim divide,” Kharge remarked, indicating a shift in Modi's campaign strategy, as quoted by PTI.
Kharge also criticised the Prime Minister's approach towards former BJP ally Uddhav Thackeray and NCP founder Sharad Pawar, accusing him of employing divisive language unbecoming of a national leader.