New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday said that the names of party candidates for the prestigious Amethi and Rae Bareli seats in Uttar Pradesh will be announced in a few days. Speaking at a press conference, Kharge slammed the BJP, alleging that though the BJP says the corrupt must be put in jails when leaders facing corruption charges join the saffron party, they are put on the lap and sent to Rajya Sabha or assembly.
According to PTI, Kharge took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the latter's words have lost credibility, while also accusing him of trying to polarise the country. "You have to wait for a few more days... when the names of candidates come from people to me and I sign the notification, it will be announced", he said when asked about candidates for Amethi and Rae Bareli Lok Sabha constituencies.
Congress president alluded to Rahul Gandhi's decision to contest the elections from Kerala's Wayanad instead of Amethi. Kharge pointed out that while Congress leaders are often criticised for changing constituencies, BJP stalwarts like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishna Advani have also done the same.
He talked about Rahul's decision to contest from Wayanad by stating that there was a demand from the people of Wayanad, and leaders must respond to the needs of the people. Kharge also slammed PM Modi, accusing him of using agencies like the CBI or ED to intimidate opponents.
Kharge Draws Comparison Between PM Modi & Former PM Manmohan Singh
Mallikarjun Kharge drew comparisons between PM Modi and his predecessor Manmohan Singh, highlighting Singh's dignified conduct during his tenure. He remarked, "In his 10 years as Prime Minister, did you ever hear Manmohan Singh talking about snatching someone's mangalsutra? Did he badmouth anyone?" He contrasted Singh's measured approach with Modi's rhetoric, suggesting that while Singh's statements commanded global attention, Modi's words lack credibility, as per PTI.
On PM Modi's remarks that the Congress manifesto appeases Muslims, Kharge sid that it contains assurances for all segments of society, including youths, farmers, workers, women, and backward classes.
Lashing out at the PM, he said, "You should think before you speak. Our Nyays and guarantees are for everyone... when you are repeatedly saying it's for Muslims, you are polarising, dividing the people and one day you will repent".
Kharge responded to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's remark that he should join the BJP by asserting his role as Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. Kharge emphasised that his primary counterpart in Parliament is Prime Minister Modi, not a state-level leader like Sarma.
He reiterated that he has engaged in discussions with PM Modi, citing his experience in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Kharge said that Sarma should focus on his responsibilities in Assam before commenting on him.
Kharge criticised the BJP for what he perceives as a double standard regarding corruption charges. Kharge alleged that the BJP welcomes opposition party leaders facing corruption allegations with open arms, contradicting their rhetoric of putting corrupt leaders in jail. He pointed out instances where such leaders joining the BJP were rewarded with ministerial positions, MLA seats, or memberships of parliament.
Kharge questioned the credibility of turncoat leaders who spent significant time within the Congress party before defecting, asking why they remained affiliated for decades if it was truly undesirable. He emphasised the enduring strength of the Congress, likening it to a flowing river unaffected by the departure of a few individuals.
He highlighted the Congress's historical contributions to India's freedom movement, saying that key figures from the party played crucial roles in securing independence.
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"People who freed the country are in the Congress. No one from the BJP had fought for Independence or development. They talk about patriotism and try to project that (Jawaharlal) Nehru, Indira (Gandhi) and Lal Bahadur Shastri were nothing in front of them. It is only Modi for them and they think India attained Independence in 2014", he added.
Kharge reiterated that the current elections are fundamentally about upholding democracy and safeguarding the Constitution. He took a swipe at PM Modi, alleging that their promises of "sabka saath, sabka vikas" (together with all, development for all) have resulted in "sabka satyanaash" (destruction for all).
When asked about the Congress's stance on electoral bonds, Kharge said that the party has indeed raised concerns about them. He pointed out the lack of a level playing field, highlighting instances where loss-making companies allegedly donated large sums, ranging from Rs 500-1,000 crore, to the BJP.
Kharge characterised this as a quid pro quo scenario, where donations were exchanged for business opportunities, encapsulating it as "chanda do, dhanda lo" (give donations, receive business).