'Is This Democracy?': Kharge Slams BJP Over Political Crisis In Jharkhand And Bihar, Central Raids

Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Modi government of displaying bias against opposition members and exploiting central agencies to coerce them into switching allegiances.

Criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge voiced concerns on Friday suggesting that the PM might assert his popularity to undermine the necessity of democracy and elections in the country. Kharge, who participated in a discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address, accused the government of displaying bias against opposition members and exploiting central agencies to coerce them into switching allegiances. He argued that such actions could erode people's trust in the democratic process.

According to news agency PTI, Kharge alleged that 411 Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) had switched sides due to intimidation by agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Income Tax Department.

Citing the recent case of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren's resignation and subsequent arrest by the ED, Kharge claimed that despite having the support of a majority of MLAs, Soren's successor was not sworn in immediately. Kharge questioned the delay, contrasting it with the swift acceptance of Nitish Kumar's resignation in Bihar, followed by his prompt reappointment with BJP support.

The Congress President questioned the fairness of such practices, stating, "Is this democracy?... If you keep treating (the opposition) like this, people will lose faith in democracy." He also highlighted the alleged double standards in dealing with corruption cases, alleging that leaders labeled as corrupt in his party become clean once they join the BJP, with all charges dropped, PTI reported.

"Those who don't listen (to the ruling party) go to jail. This is your policy, and you preach us (on democracy)," he remarked.

Budget Session 2024: Kharge Vs Piyush Goyal On Inflation 

During his speech, Kharge challenged various statistics from the President's address, including those related to airport growth, mortality rate, literacy rate, and foreign direct investments. He criticised the government for the rising prices of essential commodities, stating that while the common people's income grows in single digits, inflation is in double digits.

He criticised the government for the rising prices of essential commodities, stating that while the common people's income grows in single digits, inflation is in double digits. "I would go to the market with Goyal and authenticate it," Kharge remarked, responding to a challenge from Piyush Goyal, leader of the House.

On the issue of farmers, Kharge asserted that their real income had declined by 1.5% between 2016-17 and 2020-21, contrary to the government's promise to double their income. He accused the government of underspending more than Rs 1 lakh crore from the agricultural budget in the last five years and highlighted issues with the Fasal Bima Yojana, with around 2.33 crore farmers leaving the scheme.

The Congress party President also raised concerns about the situation in Manipur, accusing the Prime Minister of remaining silent despite reports of violence. He criticised the government's claims of eradicating Naxalism while security forces faced recent casualties in Chhattisgarh.

Additionally, he also alleged threats to the independence of the Election Commission and accused the government of weakening the federal structure by denying demands from non-BJP-ruled states.

Notably, Kharge expressed concern over the security breach in Parliament during the Winter session, characterising it as a failure by the government to protect the "temple of democracy." He mentioned allegations from those arrested for the breach, claiming they were tortured and forced to accept allegiance to an opposition party, according to PTI's report.

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