The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): During a recent public meeting in Yadgir district, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge harshly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting that Modi’s frequent disparagements of the Gandhi family are a cover for having no substantial achievements of his own. This statement was made against the backdrop of the Congress party leading in the first two phases of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, a situation that Kharge believes has unnerved the Prime Minister.
Kharge, speaking in Gurmitkal which is part of the Kalaburagi constituency where his son-in-law Radhakrishna Doddamani is a candidate, commented on Modi’s rhetoric. He said, “Everyone is aware of the history before and after Modi’s birth, yet he continues to target historical figures and current members of the Congress because he himself has achieved nothing noteworthy.”
The Congress leader also refuted Modi’s claims that the Congress intends to redistribute property to Muslims, clarifying that such allegations are neither constitutional nor part of the Congress manifesto. He emphasized the party’s commitment to the poor, regardless of religious background, drawing parallels with policies implemented during Indira Gandhi’s leadership, such as land reforms and the nationalization of banks.
Highlighting achievements of the Congress, Kharge mentioned the introduction of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS) by Sonia Gandhi and the Food Security Act, which provides 35 kg of food grains monthly to the poor—a scheme that was augmented by Modi during the COVID-19 pandemic to 40 kg, claiming it as his initiative.
In a direct challenge to Modi’s self-assurance represented by his “56-inch chest” claim, Kharge provocatively asked, “What have you done for the stomach? What are you providing for meals?” This statement came amid rising concerns about inflation affecting the country’s poor.
As the Lok Sabha elections continue, the battle of narratives between the BJP and Congress is intensifying, with each party vying to secure a majority in Parliament.