The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): In a pointed critique, Congress President and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, has censured President Droupadi Murmu’s recent address in Parliament. Kharge condemned the speech as being heavily biased towards praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it a form of propaganda and a political advertisement for the Prime Minister.
Kharge suggested that the President’s speech, which lasted an hour and 20 minutes, might have been influenced to focus solely on lauding the Prime Minister and his government’s achievements. He expressed disappointment over the lack of attention to critical issues, particularly the urgent need for employment generation, which he sees as a significant concern affecting millions of Indians.
The Congress leader accused the government of ignoring the real issues faced by the marginalized population and instead using the Presidential address for political posturing. “There was nothing related to employment mentioned in the President’s speech. This was a document to entrap the poor,” Kharge added.
Echoing Kharge’s sentiments, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor described the President’s address as a one-sided narrative akin to an election speech. Tharoor pointed out the speech’s omission of significant issues and the government’s unfulfilled promises. “They have written an election speech for the President to deliver… This is a one-sided narrative that leaves out several important omissions,” he stated.
Bahujan Samaj Party MP Danish Ali also joined in the criticism, questioning the claims of employment generation made in the President’s speech. Ali remarked on the absence of substantial content in the speech, suggesting that only certain individuals close to the government had benefited.
In contrast, Union Minister Ajay Misra Teni defended the President’s address, arguing that the Opposition parties are left without substantial issues to raise, given the Modi government’s developmental work across the country.
In her address, President Murmu had emphasized the government’s success in controlling inflation despite global challenges and ensuring that the burden did not fall on the citizens. She also highlighted 2023 as a historic year for India, maintaining its status as the fastest-growing major economy amidst global crises.
This criticism from opposition leaders underscores the political divide in perceptions of the government’s achievements and the President’s role in articulating these accomplishments.