Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge, during a speech at the ‘Samvidhan Bachao Sammelan’ on Sunday, made an indirect attack on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, accusing him of using religious attire as a political guise. Without naming Adityanath directly, Kharge remarked, “Many leaders live in the guise of sadhus and have now become politicians. Some have even become chief ministers.”
Kharge’s comments were seen as a pointed reference to Yogi Adityanath, who serves as both the head priest of the Gorakhnath Math in Gorakhpur and the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. Kharge criticized leaders wearing ‘gerua’ (saffron) robes, stating, “They wear saffron clothes, have no hair on their heads, and claim to be saints, but engage in divisive politics. If you are a sanyasi, wear your robes and leave politics. Otherwise, wear white and join political discourse without spreading hate.”
Kharge also took issue with Adityanath’s recent slogan, “Batoge toh katogey” (If we divide, we will be cut), accusing the Chief Minister of inciting hatred and division. He said, “These leaders are spreading hatred among the people and attempting to divide them. They should focus on unity, not divisiveness.”
Further targeting the BJP, Kharge alleged that the party, along with the RSS, is the real threat to the country’s unity. “BJP is coming up with new slogans, but I ask, is there any real danger to the country? If there is a threat, it is from the BJP and RSS. They are the ones talking about division and violence from morning till night,” Kharge said, contrasting it with the Congress’s efforts to maintain national unity. He cited the example of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s martyrdom, emphasizing the party’s legacy in keeping the nation united.
Kharge also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for avoiding media engagement, saying, “In earlier times, heads of government met and interacted with opposition leaders. Today, forget meeting opposition leaders, Narendra Modi doesn’t even speak to the press.”
Earlier on Sunday, Kharge launched the joint manifesto of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance for the upcoming Assembly polls in Maharashtra. The manifesto, titled ‘Maharashtra Nama,’ outlines five core areas for development: farming and rural development, industry and employment, urban development, environment, and public welfare.
Kharge highlighted several key promises, including a monthly financial aid of ₹3,000 to women under the ‘Mahalakshmi Scheme,’ free bus services for women, and ₹50,000 incentives to farmers repaying loans on time. Additionally, the manifesto proposes a ₹4,000 monthly stipend for job-seeking youth and a ₹25 lakh health insurance scheme, modeled after the one implemented by Ashok Gehlot in Rajasthan.
Kharge also pledged to conduct a caste census and vowed to lift the 50% cap on reservations, following the model used in Tamil Nadu.
The Maharashtra Assembly polls are set for November 20, with counting scheduled for November 23. The electoral contest is shaping up as a major showdown between the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance and the MVA, intensifying political campaigning and rhetoric as the state approaches the election date for its 288 Assembly seats.
