In the wake of the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs releasing the fourth list of standardized geographical names in Zangnan, denoting Arunachal Pradesh as part of south Tibet, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing a rally in Rajasthan’s Chittorgarh in support of party candidate Udailal Anjana, Kharge questioned Modi’s leadership amidst concerns over Chinese intrusions.
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Kharge’s remarks targeted Modi’s purported negligence towards Chinese encroachments into Indian territory, coupled with a scathing indictment of his governance style. He rhetorically questioned whether Modi’s inaction on Chinese intrusions was due to lethargy induced by opium consumption, referencing the historical opium trade associated with Rajasthan.
“Modi ji claims to have a 56-inch chest, boasting of fearlessness. But if that’s the case, why has he allowed China to encroach upon our territory? Are you sleeping? Are you consuming sleeping pills? Or have you indulged in opium from Rajasthan’s fields, or has it been served to you?” Kharge queried, pointing to the glaring lapses in border security under the Modi administration.
Kharge’s scathing rebuke comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions with China, exacerbated by the recent territorial claims made by Beijing, as reported by state-run Global Times.
In addition to the critique on the Chinese front, Kharge lambasted Modi over allegations of corruption and malfeasance within the government. He highlighted the recent defections of opposition leaders facing corruption probes to the BJP, questioning Modi’s sincerity in combatting corruption while welcoming tainted individuals into the fold.
Furthermore, Kharge accused Modi of financial impropriety, alleging misappropriation of funds meant for the Congress party and lack of transparency in financial disclosures. He cited instances of penalties imposed on the Congress party by government agencies, insinuating selective targeting by the ruling dispensation.
Amidst his blistering critique, Kharge invoked historical references, reminding the audience of the sacrifices made by Congress leaders during India’s struggle for independence. He emphasized the pivotal role of the Congress party in shaping the nation’s democratic ethos and constitution, contrasting it with Modi’s alleged attempts to undermine democratic principles.
Highlighting the contributions of the Gandhi family to the nation’s unity and integrity, Kharge refuted Modi’s accusations of nepotism, underscoring the sacrifices made by members of the Gandhi family for the nation’s welfare.
The rally in Chittorgarh sets the stage for a contentious electoral battle, with Udailal Anjana pitted against incumbent MP and BJP state president C P Joshi. As the political rhetoric intensifies, the spotlight remains firmly on the contrasting visions presented by the Congress and the BJP for the future trajectory of the nation.