Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday sharpened his attack on both the BJP and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in poll-bound West Bengal, alleging a “secret understanding” between the two and asserting that “voting for TMC means strengthening the BJP”.
Addressing rallies in Cooch Behar and Naxalbari, Kharge targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of prioritising electioneering over governance. “Does he want to become the Chief Minister of Bengal? If not, why is he repeatedly visiting the state?” Kharge asked, alleging that elections were being won through manipulation “with the connivance of the Election Commission”.
While his Cooch Behar speech largely focused on the Prime Minister, Kharge turned his attention to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at Naxalbari, questioning why the TMC was “effectively aiding the BJP” in the state despite being part of the INDIA bloc at the national level.
Congress to go solo in Bengal
Kharge made it clear that the Congress would contest the Assembly elections independently, citing past setbacks in alliances. “We have suffered losses in alliances. Now we are moving forward on the strength of our own ideology and commitment to the people,” he said.
He argued that those genuinely opposed to the BJP would not target the Congress, reiterating that a vote for the TMC would ultimately benefit the BJP.
Also read: TMC targets PM Modi over ‘jhalmuri’ break in Jhargram
Raises concerns on CAA, delimitation
Flagging key political issues, Kharge criticised the Centre over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), proposed delimitation exercise and alleged bias in the Election Commission. “These developments are harmful to democracy. Our goal is to protect constitutional values and safeguard people’s rights,” he said.
He also warned that the Constitution was under threat, accusing the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh of attempting to alter its framework. “If they return to power, the voting rights of the poor and Dalits will be at risk,” he alleged.
Targets Modi on economy, ‘fakir’ image
The Congress leader launched a personal attack on Modi’s “fakir” image, claiming it was at odds with his lifestyle. “He calls himself a fakir, yet his expensive suits and eyewear show who he really serves, people like Adani and Ambani,” Kharge said.
He also criticised the Centre over unemployment and inflation, questioning the promise of creating two crore jobs annually. “Has that happened? Instead, the youth are facing hardship,” he said.
Focus on tea garden workers, welfare
Highlighting regional concerns, Kharge spoke about the condition of tea garden workers in north Bengal, promising fair wages and housing rights if voted to power.
He also accused the government of “selling national assets”, citing railways, ports and airports, and termed the electoral bonds scheme “the biggest corruption scandal in the world”.
Alleging misuse of central agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate, Kharge said opposition voices were being targeted, adding that the Congress would continue its campaign despite obstacles.
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