New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the BJP for misleading voters on religious and divisive issues during the Lok Sabha election campaign. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Kharge claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his speeches over the past 15 days, avoided addressing critical issues like unemployment and price rise. Instead, Modi mentioned his own name 758 times, Congress 232 times, and the INDIA alliance 573 times.
Kharge expressed confidence that the INDIA bloc will form the government after the Lok Sabha elections, emphasizing their commitment to inclusivity and unity. He accused the Election Commission of failing to act against Modi’s divisive rhetoric. "In his election speeches, PM Modi mentioned Mandir-Masjid 421 times and used divisive language, referencing Muslims and minorities 224 times, yet the Election Commission did not act against him," Kharge stated.
As the campaign for the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections ended on May 30, Kharge highlighted the Congress's focus on uniting citizens to save democracy and the Constitution, transcending caste, creed, religion, region, gender, and language. "Despite BJP’s efforts to mislead on religious and divisive issues, people focused on real issues, and we sought votes based on those issues," Kharge said.
Kharge confidently predicted that the people would mandate a new alternative government on June 4, 2024. "The INDIA alliance will form a government with a full majority, delivering an inclusive, nationalistic, and developmental government that will move forward, taking everyone along," he added.
Kharge accused PM Modi of harboring hatred, contrasting it with Mahatma Gandhi's principles of non-violence. He praised the Congress’s track record under Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi, who implemented schemes benefiting the poor. The Congress chief also accused Modi of misusing investigative agencies against opponents and ignoring critical issues like unemployment, price rise, and economic inequality. "We fought on these issues and received full support from the people. I congratulate all my colleagues who stand fearlessly for the protection of democracy," Kharge said.
Kharge cited Dr. BR Ambedkar’s warning against hero-worship in politics, emphasizing that it leads to dictatorship. A total of 57 seats will be contested in the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Saturday, with votes counted on June 4.
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