Modi government ‘systematically weakening’ democratic institutions: Congress chief Kharge

PTI

Thrissur (Kerala), February 4

Kickstarting the Congress's crucial Lok Sabha poll campaign in Kerala, party President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday vehemently attacked the BJP-led union government, accusing it of causing indiscriminate unemployment and inflation in the country and “systematically weakening” democratic institutions.

The gap between the rich and poor is increasing day by day in the country; the rich are getting richer and the poor are becoming poorer under the Modi government, Kharge alleged.

Criticising the Centre's interventions in state governance and alleged attempts to weaken the political autonomy of states, the Congress chief said it undermines the principles of federalism. He also accused the union government of harassing the state governments and crushing the poor people and women of the country.

“All democratic institutions are being systematically weakened. Agencies like ED, CBI Income Tax are weaponised to target opposition leaders on false and baseless charges,” Kharge alleged.

Apparently referring to Modi recently addressing a women empowerment programme here last month, Kharge appealed to the women of the state to be “mindful” of the BJP's tactics.

The saffron party's ideology is against women and they don't follow what the Constitution says, he cautioned them.

Citing last year's protest by the champion women wrestlers of the country, he said instead of saving the Olympic medal winning wrestlers, the government was “busy saving the party MP (who the wrestlers accused of sexual harassment)”.

Kharge in his speech illustrated the contrast between the policies of Jawaharlal Nehru and Modi, saying while the first prime minister set up public sector units, the incumbent was “dismantling” them.

Continuing to attack the BJP-led regime, he said the prevailing inflation and unemployment have completely destroyed the poor, lower middle-class and middle class of the country.

Addressing the hundreds of party workers gathered in Thrissur, Kharge raised the issue of Manipur violence and said the rape and atrocities committed in the northeastern state have left the country “ashamed”.

Even after nine months of ongoing violence in Manipur, the BJP government has remained an “utter failure” in defusing the situation and establishing an atmosphere of stability in the country, he said.

“Why Modi has not gone to Manipur? When Rahul Gandhi, a man who is elected from Kerala, can go to Manipur, why not Modi? This is the concern for the country,” he said.

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