Ahmedabad: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday said that a "dictatorial" atmosphere is prevailing in the country, and national assets are being "handed over" to select industrialists, which is widening the gap between the rich and the poor.
While addressing delegates on the final day of the Congress session, Kharge stated, "Common people are facing oppression, Opposition is being targeted, and Dalits are being subjected to discrimination — something that cannot be forgiven."
He stated that former Congress president Sonia Gandhi believes the education system is the biggest issue facing society. She emphasizes the urgent need for reform to ensure that children from poor and Dalit communities are not denied access to education and have the opportunity to pursue higher studies.
Calling the tribal the original inhabitants of the country, Kharge said that the BJP is referring to them as Vanvasis, attempting to marginalize them by giving a new term. He added that incidents of atrocities against Dalits are happening regularly, yet they are largely ignored. The media turns a blind eye to these issues, fearing that highlighting such incidents could take their owners to jail.
Alleging that a monopoly is gradually being created in the country's economy, Kharge said, “Public assets are steadily being handed over to private hands. The sale of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) is resulting in the loss of lakhs of government jobs and undermining reservation benefits for SC, ST, and OBC communities. Instead of providing more opportunities and reservations for Dalits and backward classes, the Modi government is systematically handing over PSUs to its close associates. If this trend continues, there’s a fear that one day, Narendra Modi might end up selling the entire country”.
Kharge emphasized that the Congress party needs dynamic and energetic individuals to move forward, and it is only with their support that the party can progress.
He urged all members to stay active and work towards strengthening the organization. Delivering a clear message to the party workers, he said that those unwilling to take responsibility should retire, and those not contributing should take a break.
The Congress president accused the BJP government of encouraging communalism and attempting to divide society by racking up old issues.
He further alleged that freedom of expression is being suppressed in the country, with individuals losing their rights to dress and speak freely. Marginalised communities are being denied their rightful entitlements. He termed communalism as a toxic force that is contaminating society and stressed the urgent need to eradicate it.
Speaking on the Manipur issue, Kharge said that Congress consistently sought a discussion on the matter, but the government repeatedly refused, indicating its intent to conceal its failures from the public.
He added that while the nation slept, the government pushed several important bills through the House during midnight sessions. According to him, this gradual erosion of democratic processes is a serious concern.
