Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has penned an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the recent campaign speeches targeting the Congress party’s “Nyay Patra” (manifesto) for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
In the letter, shared on social media by Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh on Thursday, Kharge expresses his disappointment in the PM’s remarks, suggesting that the tone of the BJP leaders reflects their dissatisfaction following the lacklustre performance in the first phase of the elections.
“Do not be carried away by your own people who are clapping at your speeches. They are not allowing you to hear the crores of right-thinking citizens who are disappointed by your speeches,” the letter read.
Offering to meet Modi personally to clarify the contents of the Nyay Patra, Kharge indicates that the Prime Minister might be misinformed by his advisors, urging him to avoid making false statements.
“I would be more than happy to meet you in person to explain our Nayay Patra so that as the Prime Minister of the country you don’t make any statements that are false,” it further read.
Kharge highlights the contrasting economic policies of the BJP, labelling it a “suit-boot ki sarkar” that favours the affluent, while burdening the common man with higher taxes, especially through the GST.
“Your ‘suit-boot ki sarkar’ works for the corporates whose taxes are reduced, while salaried class pays higher taxes. The poor pays taxes GST even on food and salt and rich corporates claim GST refunds. That is why when we talk of inequality between rich and poor, you are purposely equating it with Hindu and Muslim…” he added.
Regarding Modi’s recent “mangalsutra” remark, Kharge accuses the BJP of turning a blind eye to the plight of underprivileged women, questioning the government’s stance on atrocities against marginalised communities, including women in Manipur and Dalit girls.
“Isn’t your government responsible for the atrocities against women in Manipur, atrocities against Dalit girls, garlanding of rapists? When farmers are committing suicides under your government, how are you protecting their wives and children,” Kharge questioned.
