Kharge targets Modi govt at Congress meet; raises EVM, caste census, reservation & polarization

The 84th Congress plenary session is currently underway in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. On the first day, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) held a four-hour-long meeting. Today, on the second day, the main session is being conducted at the Sabarmati Riverfront with participation from over 1,700 Congress committee representatives across the country.Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi are present at the event. In his address, Kharge launched a scathing attack on the Modi government, alleging that democracy is being weakened gradually. He criticized the privatization of government sectors, the reduction of reservation opportunities for SC/ST/OBC/EWS groups, and raised questions over the use of EVMs, calling for a return to ballot papers, citing global trends.Kharge also slammed the RSS and BJP for communal polarization, referring to recent temple-mosque disputes and accusing Modi of igniting communal tensions. He warned that if the current direction continues, even the youth will rise against the government. He also said inactive Congress leaders must either start working or face retirement, announcing organizational reforms to strengthen district leadership.In response, the BJP countered that Congress only questions EVMs when they lose, and accused the party of hypocrisy, citing past use of Article 356 and the Emergency. They stated that the government genuinely cares for minorities and sensitive regions like Manipur. BJP also condemned Kharge's remarks against Modi as offensive.Despite listing problems, Kharge did not present a detailed strategy for countering them. However, a hint at strengthening grassroots organization and focusing on caste census suggests Congress's direction. Analysts noted that unless the party overcomes internal factionalism and strengthens its base, their strategies will remain ineffective.