Mallikarjun Kharge, the leader of the Indian National Congress, has been accused of playing politics based on caste divisions in India. It is alleged that Kharge is attempting to divide Hindus on caste lines in order to gain political power, much like how the British used the “divide and rule” strategy during their rule in India.
Kharge made these accusations during a conversation at “The Indian Express Idea Exchange” program. He highlighted that Scheduled Castes (SCs) still face discrimination across India and criticized the BJP government for allegedly humiliating President Droupadi Murmu and her predecessor Ram Nath Kovind because they belong to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities.
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Kharge pointed out that Murmu was not invited to the Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya and the inauguration of the new Parliament building. Similarly, Kovind was not allowed to lay the foundation stone of this new Parliament building.
Kharge also dismissed Prime Minister Modi’s campaign slogan of “400 paar,” stating that people are seeking change and his dream of a third term will not be realized.
He further cautioned against giving Modi another term, asserting that BJP leaders have already started discussions about altering the Constitution. When asked if Congress should have participated in the Ram Temple consecration, Kharge emphasized that it is a personal matter of faith and questioned why Modi took charge in establishing an idol for political purposes instead.
Highlighting ongoing discrimination faced by SCs across religious places including other temples, Kharge expressed his concern for his own community members who continue to face restrictions. He observed numerous instances where entry is denied or limited access exists even for small village temples.
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Kharge lamented these issues faced by his community members who are forbidden from drinking water or attending educational institutions freely due to their caste status. He criticized social norms dictating how bridegrooms with mustaches are treated or when they participate in wedding processions on horses only to be subjected to harassment and violence. Kharge emphasized that he would have faced similar intolerance if he had attended the events in Ayodhya.
He also condemned the discriminatory treatment towards President Murmu, claiming that she was not allowed to join Prime Minister Modi on occasion of the Ram Temple consecration and at the inauguration of the new Parliament building. For Kovind, who is also from a Scheduled Caste background, there was no opportunity to lay the foundation stone for this Parliament building due to his caste status.
Kharge expressed disappointment over these incidents, suggesting that such actions would not be taken if individuals from other communities were involved. He accused BJP of humiliating SCs and STs despite their claims about protecting their rights.
Regarding Congress’s stance on attending religious functions, Kharge stated that those who have faith can go anytime they wish but highlighted persistent restrictions faced by those belonging to Scheduled Castes. While some Congress members may attend these events out of personal belief, certain communities are still excluded and face humiliation elsewhere due to their caste identity.
Regarding Modi’s “400 paar” campaign pitch for a third term in office, Kharge voiced skepticism towards his claims and criticized him for making overly exaggerated statements. He quipped that it would be good if Modi did not claim “600 paar,” considering the Lok Sabha’s strength is only 543 seats.
Kharge confidently asserted they are working toward preventing a third term for Modi by gathering enough support against him within INDIA bloc as per people’s desires for change. He claimed that people are unhappy with BJP’s current rule, causing Modi to undertake more public appearances in an attempt to win support even from politicians who were previously labeled as corrupt.
Kharge warned about BJP’s agenda of changing or replacing the Constitution which has been articulated by various party members including Anantkumar Hegde and RSS chief during campaigns before coming into power.. Despite these threats being made openly against India’s Constitution, Kharge questioned why Modi is reluctant to take action against those who advocate for such changes.
He concluded that such actions are part of a conspiracy to suppress weaker sections and women, asserting that they will not accept it.