Agency(Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala): Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent ‘mangalsutra jibe’, defending his party’s legacy and accusing the BJP of misleading the public. Kharge reminded the public of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s personal sacrifices, notably her donation of jewelry during the 1962 India-China war, in contrast to the BJP and RSS’s contributions, or lack thereof, to national causes.
Addressing Modi’s claims that Congress plans to redistribute wealth unfairly, Kharge highlighted the historical contributions of Congress leaders to India’s freedom and development. He mentioned Pandit Motilal Nehru and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who donated their family home in Allahabad for the freedom movement, underscoring that Congress leaders have historically sacrificed for the country’s welfare.
This statement from Kharge came in response to Modi’s remarks last week, where he suggested that Congress, under the influence of what he termed “urban Naxals,” intends to strip citizens of their assets, including culturally significant items like mangalsutras, to redistribute to select demographics based on their fertility and legal status.
Modi’s comments have sparked a heated exchange between the two parties, with the Prime Minister claiming that his speech in Rajasthan had caused “panic” within Congress and its allies. He reiterated his stance that Congress’s policies are part of a broader strategy to engage in vote bank politics and appeasement.
Kharge’s robust defense highlights the ongoing battle of narratives between the Congress and the BJP as the Lok Sabha elections continue, with both sides appealing to historical legacies and future promises to sway voters.
