New Delhi: Amid the controversy over G20 dinner invites by Rashtrapati Bhavan signed in the name of ‘President of Bharat’ instead of ‘President of India’, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre saying the BJP was “nervous” about the Opposition bloc I.N.D.I.A and so they are mulling the name change of the country. He also said had there not been a leader like Jawaharlal Nehru at the Centre, the condition of Rajasthan wouldn't have been like what it is now.
Addressing a farmers’ conference in Rajasthan’s Bhilwara on Wednesday, Kharge said, “They (BJP) are frightened by the Opposition bloc I.N.D.I.A and so they are mulling changing the name of the country to 'Bharat'. It is written in the Constitution that India means Bharat. We (the Congress) have already harped on 'Bharat Jodo' (during the foot march taken out by party leader Rahul Gandhi). Every time we think of the welfare of the people, they (BJP) either try to tarnish our image or mislead the people of the country.”
Taking potshots at the saffron party, Kharge further said, “Had there not been a leader like Jaynarayan Vyas or someone like Jawaharlal Nehru at the Centre, would the condition of Rajasthan have been the same like it is now? Congress has always worked for the betterment of the people. The Gandhi family has made sacrifices for the country's independence and unity. All BJP did was peddle misinformation and engaged in a blame-game. The party should stop abusing its power and work for the issues ailing the country. ”
He further slammed the BJP saying the party has no achievement to boast of while in power at the Centre and added that all their schemes have only benefitted the rich and the powerful, while the poor people and the middle class were left to fend for themselves.
Meanwhile, Kharge approved the proposal for the formation of a core committee and coordination panel for the upcoming Rajasthan assembly elections, news agency PTI reported. The core committee would have Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, CP Joshi, among others.