– Abdul Bari Masoud
New Delhi: Amid allegations of electoral roll manipulations in recent assembly polls, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP of “voter list manipulations” ahead of upcoming state elections.
At a meeting at Indira Bhawan with AICC General Secretaries and in-charges, Kharge emphasized accountability. “You will be accountable for the organization and future election results of your states,” he told them.
Warning about large-scale “voter list manipulation”, he noted that Rahul Gandhi had raised the issue in the Lok Sabha.
Kharge insisted that this rigging must be stopped at all costs, highlighting how Congress supporters’ names were deleted or shifted last minute. He accused the BJP of adding fresh names just before elections.
On the government’s handling of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) selection, Kharge remarked, “The government does not even trust the impartiality of the Chief Justice of the country.” He referred to Rahul Gandhi’s criticism, saying the government was trying to use the Leader of the Opposition merely for “certification.”
Regarding PM Modi’s U.S. visit, Kharge accused him of failing to protect India’s trade interests. “They are forcing a loss-making deal on us, which our government is silently accepting. This is clearly an insult to India and its people,” he said. “America is hurting us deeply even in economic matters.”
Kharge also criticized the government’s inaction on Indian deportees, stating, “Despite Modi’s visit, America was sending back Indian citizens handcuffed as before.” He further added, “Our government also failed to protest this insult properly.”
Speaking on the Congress’ “Save Constitution Campaign,“ he said, “The aim of every such programme should be strengthening of the organization.”
On Delhi’s election performance, he acknowledged the party’s efforts despite limited resources and urged continuous engagement. “Our endeavour for the next five years should be to emerge as the main opposition by continuously fighting and leading mass movements on public issues.” He added, “Only this will make us the first choice of the people.
