PM spoke on divisive issues over 400 times, but never mentioned unemployment, price rise, says Kharge

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticizes PM Modi for focusing on divisive issues, ignoring unemployment and inflation in speeches.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about “mandir-masjid” and other “divisive issues” 421 times but did not mention unemployment and inflation even once in his election speeches of the past 15 days, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said on Thursday.

Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters along with senior leaders Jairam Ramesh and K.C. Venugopal on a day the campaigning for the 2024 Lok Sabha election ended, Mr. Kharge said the people of India will give a clear mandate for a new, inclusive and alternative government on June 4.

In these elections, Mr. Kharge addressed over 100 rallies, 20 press conferences and more than 50 interviews, while former party chief Rahul Gandhi addressed 107 rallies, roadshows, interactions such as Nyay Sammelans and Nyay Manch. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra addressed over 140 public meetings and roadshows across the country, and spent over 10 days to focus on the campaign in Uttar Pradesh’s Rae Bareli and Amethi seats.

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Mr. Kharge that people had now endorsed the Opposition’s contention that “it will be the end of democracy if the present government gets another term”.

“The PM and other important leaders of the BJP made countless efforts to mislead the people on religious and divisive issues. Despite this, the people chose issues and we asked for votes on issues,” Mr. Kharge said. “We are confident that people will give a mandate for an alternative government on June 4.”

The Congress chief said the Prime Minister’s attempt to link the his party’s manifesto to a particular community not only violated the model code of conduct but also lowered the dignity of the Prime Minister’s Office.