By Abdul Bari Masoud
New Delhi, August 16: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Sangh Parivar on the 78th Independence Day, accusing them of promoting divisive politics and spreading hatred in the country. In a pointed reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address, Kharge emphasized that “unity in diversity is our strength, not our weakness.”
Speaking after unfurling the national tricolor at the Congress headquarters, Kharge highlighted the collective efforts of people from all castes, sects, religions, and regions in achieving India’s independence. He criticized Prime Minister Modi’s speech for failing to address the safety and security of the country’s minorities, while extensively discussing the plight of minorities in Bangladesh following the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government.
Kharge took a sharp dig at the BJP, noting that those who had no role in the freedom struggle are now attempting to lecture the Congress on freedom. He reminded the nation that Independence was hard-earned, with countless Indians sacrificing their lives.
Accusing the Sangh Parivar of endorsing the British policy of ‘divide and rule’ for selfish gains, Kharge asserted that this approach ultimately led to the partition of the country.
In a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Wednesday, it was revealed that during the recent Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made Islamophobic remarks in 110 out of 173 campaign speeches. The HRW statement condemned the BJP’s leadership for repeatedly inciting discrimination, hostility, and violence against marginalized groups during the election campaign.
Kharge also pointed out that the BJP and RSS never fully accepted the Indian national flag, only now, after nearly six decades, beginning to promote the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign. He emphasized that every Indian has been holding the tricolour in their hearts and hands for the last 100 years.
Shifting focus to the country’s pressing issues, Kharge stressed the need for “har ghar naukri, har ghar nyaay” (jobs and justice in every household). He criticized the Modi-led BJP/NDA government, which is in its 11th year of power, for failing to improve the conditions of the people, instead exacerbating their suffering with widespread unemployment, economic disparities, and soaring prices.
Kharge underscored that India’s unity today is a result of the spirit of solidarity among 140 crore Indians, a sentiment that was vividly displayed during Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, which energized the entire nation.
Quoting India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Kharge reiterated, “Where freedom is menaced or justice is threatened, or where aggression takes place, we cannot be and shall not be neutral.”
He concluded by reaffirming the Congress party’s commitment to the welfare of the downtrodden, Dalits, tribals, women, farmers, and other weaker sections of society, stating that these groups will always remain the party’s top priority.
