Focus on official duties, don’t roam like an MLA: Kharge to PM

Speaking at a public rally in Madhya Pradesh, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to concentrate more on his official duties rather than campaigning like a local MLA. He expressed concerns about the government potentially limiting voting rights to the wealthy elite, such as the Adanis, Ambanis, Birlas, and big landowners, and emphasised that leaders like Nehru and Ambedkar had ensured universal franchise for everyone.

He claimed that the Congress, not the BJP and RSS, had safeguarded the Constitution and democracy in the country. Kharge accused the BJP of copying Congress’ manifesto and questioned why they were only making such promises now after being in power in the state for 18 years. He called for a change in the government, citing corruption allegations, and listed scams like the Vyapam scam during the BJP’s rule.

Kharge highlighted the unprecedented imposition of taxes on farmers, revealing that each farmer pays an average of Rs 25,000 in taxes. He pointed out specific tax rates on agricultural inputs and criticised the reduction in urea subsidy and the increase in DAP prices. The Congress leader vowed to investigate these issues and take appropriate action. The rally was attended by Congress general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala and other party members.