In a bold statement, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge took aim at the BJP's recent spate of attracting leaders from opposition parties, alleging tactics of intimidation and manipulation.
Speaking at a state-level training camp for Congress functionaries, Kharge revealed a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi where he directly questioned the BJP's recruitment drive.
He characterised the influx of ex-chief ministers and ministers into the BJP as "poaching" and expressed his concerns about the methods employed.
According to Kharge, he told PM Modi that these individuals were being "scared" into joining the BJP.
"During a tea meeting in Parliament where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present, I asked him how many people are you (BJP) going to poach as ministers and ex-chief ministers are joining your fold. I asked him about the appetite (to take leaders from opposition ranks into the ruling party)," Kharge told the gathering.
"He (PM) said what could he do if people want to join the BJP. I told him they (BJP) are carrying out this work (poaching) by scaring people. He said these people want to join because of their (government's) work," the Congress chief added.
While the Prime Minister reportedly attributed the phenomenon to the appeal of their work, Kharge remained unconvinced.
Kharge delivered a strong rebuke to those who defect from their parties, calling their actions "cowardice."
He emphasised the role of party workers and voters in elevating these individuals to leadership positions, making their subsequent departure even more reprehensible.
Despite the perceived challenges, Kharge urged his party workers to remain steadfast and unafraid.
He emphasised the importance of fighting for their ideals and expressed confidence in ultimate victory.
Slamming turncoats, Kharge said party workers and voters made some persons "big leaders", who then ran away, "which is nothing but an act of cowardice".
"But we do not have to get scared. If we are scared, we will perish, But if we fight, we will live and one day victory will be ours. I am sure you are all ready for this," he told his party's workers.
Additionally, Kharge reiterated Congress's commitment to farmers' demands, highlighting Rahul Gandhi's promise of a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) if the party comes to power.
He contrasted this stance with the alleged broken promises of the current government.
Kharge expressed grave concerns about the potential consequences of the current political climate.
He accused the BJP of employing misinformation and warned of the risks to democracy and the Constitution if left unchecked.
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