The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): In a recent gathering in Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge humorously criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s optimistic prediction that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would secure more than 400 seats in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Kharge jested about the impossibility of the figure, considering the Lok Sabha only has 543 seats, remarking, “Thankfully he is not talking ‘600-paar’.”
During his speech at a rally in Sarai Umar, Kharge committed to fulfilling all pledges made by his party, contrasting these promises with what he referred to as “Modi ki guarantee,” which he claimed often remains unmet. He accused Modi’s government of being detached from the needs of the impoverished and favoring a select group of industrialists instead.
Kharge reassured that if the INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition parties, comes to power, they will double the amount of free rations provided by the current government, increasing it from 5 kg to 10 kg per month for the needy—a commitment he underscored by referencing the Food Security Act initiated during previous Congress administrations.
Furthermore, Kharge criticized Modi for his taunts directed at Rahul Gandhi’s decision to contest from Rae Bareli instead of Amethi, turning the criticism back on Modi by pointing out his own electoral shift from Gujarat to Varanasi.
The Congress leader also highlighted his party’s broader campaign promises, which include filling 30 lakh job vacancies in government and public sectors, half of which will be reserved for marginalized groups, increasing MGNREGA wages to Rs 400, and extending financial assistance of Rs 8,500 per month to elderly women in poor families.
Concluding his address, Kharge warned against the BJP leaders’ alleged discussions on amending the Constitution, emphasizing its role in safeguarding the rights and dignity of the poor and maintaining democratic structures.