BJP, RSS had no role in freedom movement: Mallikarjun Kharge

PTI New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP and its ideological mentor, the RSS, on Wednesday of having no role in the freedom struggle and the country’s unity. In a scathing attack, Kharge criticised the ruling party over the slogans “Batenge to Katenge” and “Ek Hai to Safe Hai”, describing them as divisive. Campaigning for the November 20 Maharashtra assembly elections in Latur, Kharge termed the BJP-led Mahayuti dispensation as a government of thieves and called for its defeat at the hustings.

He targeted PM Narendra Modi who had questioned the waving of the book of Constitution by Congress leaders. Kharge said the caste census, which Congress promised in its poll manifesto, aims to foster unity and equal distribution of benefits for all sections. “The caste census is not for dividing people,” he added. “Congress leaders laid down their lives to keep the country and all communities united. On the contrary, the BJP and RSS had no contribution to the freedom movement and unity of the country,” Kharge said, slamming ‘Batenge to Katenge’ and Ek Hai to Safe Hai’ slogans being raised by UP CM Yogi Adityanath and PM Modi, respectively. Mahayuti is a government of thieves. The assembly elections are an opportunity to teach traitors a lesson, Kharge said. Addressing the rally, Kharge raised issues ranging from suicide by farmers in Maharashtra and consolidation of wealth to target the NDA government.

“Seven farmers commit suicide daily in Maharashtra. 62 per cent of India’s wealth is concentrated in the lands of 5 per cent of the population. Only 3 per cent of wealth is held by 50 per cent of the poor. This is the government of Modi, (Devendra) Fadnavis, (CM) knath Shinde and (Deputy CM) Ajit Pawar,’ he said.