Modi Govt Failed In Controlling Inflation, Unemployment, Manipur Strife: Kharge At CWC Meet

The newly-constituted Congress Working Committee is meeting in Telangana's Hyderabad led by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in the presence of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge with party leader Rahul Gandhi during Congress Working Committee Meeting, in Hyderabad, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023.

Source : PTI

The newly-constituted Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting commenced on Saturday in Telangana's Hyderabad, following a flag hoisting ceremony. This comes as the Congress has affirmed its commitment to foster open and candid dialogues during the CWC meeting, underscoring that its internal democratic practices distinguish it from other political entities. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge addressing the meeting said that the Modi government failed completely in controlling inflation, unemployment, Manipur strife, and widening inequality, news agency PTI reported.

He also claimed that the BJP government was resorting to vindictive action against opposition parties as it was perturbed by the success of INDIA bloc meets, as per PTI.

Congress President Kharge, addressing the reconstituted Congress Working Committee (CWC) in his opening remarks, alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is exacerbating internal challenges facing the nation. Kharge claimed that the BJP's actions have contributed to incidents of violence in Manipur and Haryana, tarnishing the image of a progressive and secular India, as per PTI's report.

Apart from Kharge, former Congress presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi as well as Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and general secretaries K C Venugopal and Jairam Ramesh, are among the leaders present at the meeting. The CWC meeting began around 3 pm, soon after the unfurling of the party flag at the Taj Krishna hotel venue.

Kharge, while speaking to party workers, also expressed concerns about the upcoming special session of Parliament, cautioning that the government may seek to sideline the opposition.

Kharge Stresses Demand For 2021 Census, Including Caste Census

In his address, Kharge emphasised the party's demand for the immediate commencement of the 2021 Census process, including a caste census, to safeguard the rights of marginalised sections of society in critical sectors such as health, education, employment, and food security.

Kharge underscored the Congress party's role as the primary opposition force over the past decade, claiming that it has influenced the Narendra Modi government's decisions in the interest of the common people.

"Today, the country is facing many serious internal challenges. The whole world witnessed the heart-wrenching incidents in Manipur. Violence has been continuing there since May. The Modi government ensured that the fire of Manipur violence reached Nuh in Haryana. Due to incidents of violence there, communal tension spread in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi," he alleged, as quoted by PTI.

He further added, "These incidents tarnish the image of modern, progressive, and secular India. In these circumstances, the ruling party, communal organisations, and a section of the media are adding fuel to the fire. It destroys the secular fabric of the country. We have to together identify and expose such forces."

Regarding the forthcoming five-day special session of Parliament, Kharge expressed concerns claiming the government's agenda to exert greater control over the Election Commission and the parliamentary process. He accused the government of seeking a Parliament without effective opposition.

Kharge went on to condemn the government's alleged attempts to stifle the opposition in Parliament and limit public scrutiny.

Kharge lauded the success of the meetings of the INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition parties, and claimed that the BJP is perturbed by this development. He accused the government of deploying enforcement agencies, such as the Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax department, and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), as a form of political retaliation against opposition leaders following the Mumbai meeting of the INDIA bloc.

Kharge criticised the government's self-praise following the G-20 summit and dismissed slogans like 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat,' 'USD 5 trillion economy,' 'New India 2022,' 'Amritkaal,' and 'third-largest economy' as empty rhetoric.

He reiterated the Congress party's commitment to protecting the Constitution, democracy, and the rights of marginalised communities.

The Congress President also raised concerns about the rising prices of essential commodities and accused the government of privatising public sector undertakings (PSUs) established since Independence.

On national security, Kharge expressed worries about the government's handling of China's encroachments and its impact on the country's security. He accused the government of deflecting attention from real issues with empty slogans, PTI reported.

Congress Extended Working Committee Meeting On Sunday

Ahead of the CWC meeting, Kharge said the members will delve into discussions pertaining to the party's future endeavors. He stated, "This is the first CWC meeting since I assumed the role of party president. Tomorrow, we will convene an extended working committee meeting, where we will delve into discussions pertaining to the party's future endeavors. The distinguished leaders of the Congress, including Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and other senior members, will engage in discussions concerning the forthcoming elections in five states and formulate our strategies accordingly."

"We also anticipate discussions on the alliance will be held in our subsequent meeting with our alliance partners," he informed.

Pawan Khera, the head of the Congress media and publicity department, on Friday, lauded the party's democratic traditions during a press conference held prior to the inaugural meeting of the reconstituted Congress Working Committee.

Khera stated, "No other political party in the country has conducted an open election of this nature. We take immense pride in our tradition of selecting our president through an open election. It's another historic milestone we achieved last year. As we convene today for the CWC meeting, there will be an open discourse. Every member is free to express their opinions, suggestions, or criticisms. This is the way our party functions, keeping the vitality and dynamism of our party alive."

He emphasised, "This is the differentiating factor between the Congress and other political parties."

On Sunday, an extended working committee meeting is scheduled to convene, focusing on discussions related to the party's organisational structure and future strategies.

The meeting will be followed by a massive Congress rally near Hyderabad where the party will announce its 'Five Guarantees' for Telangana.

The Congress President will also flag off the cavalcade of CWC members, PCC Presidents, and CLP leaders who will visit each of the 119 assembly constituencies of the poll-bound state.

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