Rahul Gandhi Under Attack 'Like Indira', Congress To Protest Against BJP-RSS's 'Poisonous Mindset': Kharge
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge condemned threats against Rahul Gandhi, alleging BJP-RSS involvement. He accused PM Modi of inaction, alleging that Rahul is vilified as a "terrorist" and "anti-national."
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday vowed that the party would launch an agitation against threats directed towards senior leader Rahul Gandhi, alleging the involvement of BJP and RSS leaders in creating an atmosphere of hate. Addressing a press conference in Jammu, Kharge condemned the lack of action from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in response to derogatory remarks made against Gandhi.
"Rahul Gandhi is under attack for speaking the truth, and an atmosphere of hate is being created against him, much like it was done against his grandmother, Indira Gandhi," Kharge remarked, as per news agency PTI. He further alleged that BJP and RSS leaders, including MLAs and MPs, have made provocative statements such as chopping off the tongues of Congress leaders. Kharge questioned the Prime Minister’s failure to take action against such leaders, accusing him of being "frightened" of them.
The Congress president, who was in Jammu to campaign for the party’s candidates in the upcoming assembly elections, alleged vilification of Rahul Gandhi, saying that he was being labelled as a "terrorist" and "anti-national" by BJP leaders. "The Prime Minister is encouraging such statements and provoking people by not taking action," Kharge added.
BJP के नेता राहुल गांधी जी के खिलाफ भड़काऊ और आपत्तिजनक बयान देते हैं।
— Congress (@INCIndia) September 21, 2024
नरेंद्र मोदी इनके खिलाफ एक्शन क्यों नहीं लेते हैं, क्योंकि वो खुद डरते हैं। ये लोग आजादी के समय भी डर कर घर बैठ गए थे।
लेकिन कांग्रेस को लोग डरे नहीं थे। आजादी के लिए लड़े, कुर्बानियां दीं और देश को आजादी… pic.twitter.com/KvyBNTkdBD
Kharge reaffirmed Congress’ resilience, stating, "If someone is trying to frighten the Congress, we will not be cowed down. Those who are trying to frighten us were sitting at home during the freedom struggle. Our people fought and gave their lives. The Gandhi family has a history of sacrifice, tell the people what your contribution was."
He further emphasised the sacrifices made by Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi for the nation, and criticised BJP-RSS leaders for their threatening remarks. "We will not tolerate this, we will launch an agitation against this," Kharge declared, urging the public to recognise the "poisonous mindset" of the RSS-BJP alliance.
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BJP Promises In Jammu And Kashmir Turned Into Mere Jumlas: Congress President Kharge
Kharge also took the opportunity to attack the BJP's record in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that the party’s promises had turned into mere jumlas (rhetoric). He pledged that Congress would continue its efforts towards the restoration of statehood, the provision of healthcare facilities, rightful reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, as part of the package announced by the previous Manmohan Singh-led government.
He also criticised the BJP's failure to provide employment in the region. "The unemployment rate in Jammu and Kashmir is 35 per cent. You had enough time over the past 10 years, and with the powers vested in the lieutenant governor, this could have been addressed in just a month," Kharge said, as quoted by PTI. He assured the youth that the Congress, in alliance with the National Conference, would provide one lakh jobs when in power.
Taking aim at Prime Minister Modi’s claims of progress in Jammu and Kashmir, Kharge accused the BJP of taking undue credit for railway and highway projects initiated under the Congress. "They should tell us what new things they have done in Jammu and Kashmir," he challenged.
Questioning the BJP’s claims of eliminating terrorism, Kharge said, "They should tell us why terror acts are still happening in places previously declared peaceful." He added, using the Hindi proverb, "Haathi ke daant khaane ke aur, dikhaane ke aur" (an elephant has different teeth for showing and eating), to underline his accusation that Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are using jumlas to mislead voters.
Concluding his address, Kharge reiterated the Congress' commitment to the welfare of the poor, stating that the party has always worked for their upliftment and will continue to do so.
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