In his opening remarks at the first meeting of the reconstituted Congress Working Committee (CWC) in Hyderabad, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday noted that the country is facing “serious internal challenges” and incidents of violence were “tarnishing” the image of a progressive and secular India.
“The country is at crossroads today facing many internal challenges. Modi Government has been a complete failure on all important fronts- in controlling inflation, unemployment, raging violence in Manipur, widening inequality and declining condition of farmers and labourers,” he said.
“The entire nation is witnessing the tragic events still unfolding in Manipur. Modi government allowed the fire of Manipur to reach Nuh in Haryana. These incidents tarnish the image of modern, progressive, and secular India,” he added.
The Congress president also said the party demands an immediate start of the Census process along with a caste survey to secure the right to health, education, employment and food security for the deprived sections of society.
He accused the BJP of making hollow claims, using the slogans like “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and “Amritkaal”, to “distract” the nation from the government’s failure.
“Our economy is in grave danger today. Inflation and rise in prices of all essential commodities has adversely affected the lives of the poor and common people.
To add to the sorrows, a young country like ours is facing the grave challenge of record unemployment. The inequality gap is continuously deepening,” he said.
The Congress president said that 27 INDIA bloc, a grouping of Opposition parties to take on the BJP-led NDA, parties stand together on fundamental issues of importance.
After three successful meetings, the opposition alliance is forging ahead to combat the “anti-people and anti-democratic BJP government”, the Congress chief said.
“Perturbed by this development, the BJP dispensation is resorting to vindictive action against opposition parties, he alleged.
At the CWC meeting, Kharge said, “We also strongly condemn the government’s attempts to stifle the opposition in Parliament and curtail public scrutiny in Parliament.” The forthcoming special session of Parliament raises concerns about the ruling party’s intentions, he added.