PM silence on China irks Kharge

Kharge asserted that the Congress is fighting to protect the people and the Constitution of India. He warned that if the Constitution is not upheld, democracy and the rights it grants could be taken away. "The Modi government supports the rich, while the Congress stands with the poor," he said, highlighting the infrastructure built by India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, which he claimed benefitted the poor.

Criticising the current government, Kharge accused Modi of selling public assets created by the Congress to industrialists Adani and Ambani. "Modi is asking the Congress for an account of 55 years of rule. We will give an account of every penny, but Modi should first give an account of his tenure," Kharge demanded.

Kharge also accused the BJP of attempting to topple the democratically elected Congress government in Himachal Pradesh using financial power, citing similar instances in Maharashtra, Manipur, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa. He alleged that the BJP misuses federal probe agencies to intimidate and pressure opposition leaders, referencing former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who he claimed was jailed after refusing to stay away from the I.N.D.I.A. bloc.

Highlighting Modi's speeches, Kharge said, “Modi's desperation is evident. He talks about Hindu-Muslim and caste divides. The BJP does not want social harmony and is dividing the people.” He added that Modi frequently criticizes Rahul and Sonia Gandhi, showing fear of the Congress leaders.

Kharge also attacked the Central government for not providing adequate aid to Himachal Pradesh following the monsoon calamity last year. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had requested Rs 10,000 crore in aid but received only stones, Kharge claimed.

Addressing the apple growers in Shimla district, Kharge accused Modi of harming their interests by reducing import duties and failing to deliver on promises of remunerative returns. "Modi tells lies. He says something and does the opposite," Kharge alleged.

He also questioned whether citizens received Rs 15 lakh as promised by Modi from repatriated black money, whether 20 crore jobs were created, and whether farmers' incomes were doubled.

Discussing the Congress' manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Kharge emphasised 25 guarantees, including minimum wages, Rs 1 lakh for women, caste census, and social justice. He assured that promises made in Karnataka and Telangana would also be fulfilled in Himachal Pradesh, including a monthly payment of `1,500 to women.

Kharge criticised the escalating cost of the bullet train project, which he said has increased from `1 lakh crore to `3 lakh crore without completion. He promised that the Congress would fill 30 lakh vacancies in government departments, create a `5,000-crore fund for startups under Yuva Roshani, implement a policy to prevent paper leaks, waive farmers' loans, and introduce a farmer-friendly import-export policy.

He also pledged GST-free farming, compensation for farmers, and ensuring crop insurance within 30 days.

At a subsequent press conference in Shimla, Kharge expressed confidence that the Congress and its I.N.D.I.A. bloc partners would form the government after June 4. He cited rising unemployment, inflation, the Agniveer scheme, the poor condition of farmers, and the misuse of constitutional institutions by the BJP as reasons for the public's discontent. Kharge likened the BJP to a laundry where tainted individuals are cleaned and given prominent positions.