Taking a pointed swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assertion that the BJP and its coalition partners would secure over 400 seats in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge countered, asserting that they would be ousted from power and wouldn't even manage to cross the 100-seat threshold.
Responding to the Prime Minister's slogan of "ab ki baar, 400 paar," Kharge quipped, "ab ki bar, Satta se bahar," indicating a dismissal of the ruling party's electoral aspirations.
Refuting claims that he had predicted the BJP's landslide victory, Kharge clarified that his statement merely highlighted the vast gulf between the ruling party's ambitious electoral projections and the ground reality, where he believes they would fall short of the century mark.
In a litany of allegations, Kharge decried the alleged suppression of his voice in Parliament, accusing ruling party members of silencing him during debates.
Expressing grave concerns over what he perceives as the creeping authoritarianism of the Modi government, Kharge warned of dire consequences should the BJP prevail in the upcoming polls, envisioning a future devoid of elections, democracy, and constitutional safeguards.
Speaking at a gathering in Amethi during Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Kharge criticized Modi's policies, contending that they favor a select few affluent individuals over the marginalized segments of society. He highlighted disparities in loan waivers, and tax rates, and promised to champion the cause of farmers by ensuring a Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantee law.
Kharge lamented the stalling of developmental projects in Amethi under the Modi regime, alleging political vendetta against the region. He cited the cancellation of a proposed mega food park, which he claimed would have immensely benefited local farmers. Warning against continued neglect, Kharge cautioned that such actions could result in the electorate turning against the ruling dispensation.
