Kharge Calls Mahayuti Alliance a “Government of Thieves” in Maharashtra Campaign
Latur, 13th November 2024: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge recently accused the Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party, of being a “government of thieves.” He also criticized the BJP and its ideological partner, the RSS, for having no significant role in India’s independence struggle or in fostering national unity.
During his campaign for the November 20 Maharashtra assembly elections in Latur, Kharge lambasted the BJP for its divisive slogans like “Batenge to Katenge” and “Ek Hai to Safe Hai.” He urged voters to defeat the ruling alliance, referring to it as a “government of thieves” and an opportunity for the electorate to “teach the traitors a lesson.”
Kharge also aimed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, responding to his critique of Congress leaders waving the Constitution. He clarified that the caste census promised in Congress’ election manifesto is meant to promote unity and ensure that benefits are distributed equitably across all communities, not to create divisions. “The caste census is not meant to divide people,” Kharge said.
Reiterating Congress’ historical role in fostering national unity, Kharge emphasized that many Congress leaders had sacrificed their lives for the unity of the nation. In contrast, he stated, the BJP and RSS had no involvement in the freedom movement or in ensuring the country’s unity.
Kharge also criticized the slogans raised by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Modi, calling them divisive and harmful. Turning to pressing issues in Maharashtra, he highlighted the alarming number of farmer suicides, stating that seven farmers die by suicide every day in the state. He also pointed out the growing wealth disparity, with just 5% of the population controlling 62% of the country’s wealth, while half of the population holds only 3%.
“This is the government of Modi, Fadnavis, Shinde, and Ajit Pawar,” Kharge said, continuing his critique. He accused Modi of breaking promises made in 2014, such as depositing Rs 15 lakh in every citizen’s bank account and creating 2 crore jobs annually.
Kharge praised Congress-led initiatives like the Right to Education Act, MNREGA, and the Right to Food Act, contrasting them with what he described as the BJP’s unfulfilled promises. Holding a copy of the Constitution, he invoked Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s contributions to societal equality. “Only Ambedkar’s Constitution guarantees protection for all sections of society,” he said.
Kharge then questioned Modi’s remarks about the Constitution, referencing the Prime Minister’s claim that the red colour of the Constitution reference book symbolized Naxalism. “Modi gave the same copy of the Constitution to President Ram Nath Kovind. Should we call them urban Naxals?” he asked.
