Has BJP Strayed from the Ideals of India's Freedom Fighters?

New Delhi, Aug 15 (NationPress) On India’s 79th Independence Day, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge fiercely criticized the Modi government, claiming that the ruling party has strayed from the principles envisioned by the nation’s freedom fighters.

In a video address shared on his official X account, Kharge asserted that the current circumstances have distanced the country from the aspirations of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, B.R. Ambedkar, Subhas Chandra Bose, and other leaders of the independence movement.

Kharge commenced by sending wishes to all Indians, reminiscing about the Congress party’s integral role in the freedom struggle. “The narrative of India’s independence is intertwined with our party,” he stated, emphasizing the contributions of Congress leaders in establishing a robust democracy post-1947.

Citing Independent India’s first Prime Minister Nehru, he reiterated the vision of creating a “strong, prosperous, and just” nation.

However, Kharge lamented that over the past decade, the country has experienced “growing unemployment” and a decline in job prospects.

He accused the BJP-led government of politicizing constitutional institutions by appointing individuals aligned with RSS ideology.

Furthermore, he claimed that enforcement agencies like the ED, Income Tax Department, and CBI are being exploited to target opposition leaders.

He also condemned the government’s foreign policy, asserting that India has diminished its previous role as the “voice of developing nations.”

Addressing the matter of free and fair elections, Kharge highlighted alleged widespread irregularities in voter lists during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.

He accused the ruling party of intentionally removing votes, reallocating electors to different booths, and adding outsiders to the rolls. Referring to a recent Supreme Court order for the Election Commission to publish the voter list, Kharge stated it reflects that public concerns are legitimate.

He expressed concerns about certain constituencies where, despite Congress leading in most assembly segments, the BJP triumphed through dubious margins in one segment.

Similar patterns, he cautioned, could emerge in the forthcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Additionally, he announced that Rahul Gandhi will initiate a “Vote Adhikar Yatra” from Sasaram, Bihar, on August 17 to galvanize public support. “This endeavor transcends mere election victories,” Kharge emphasized. “It is about defending our Constitution and upholding the aspirations of our freedom fighters.”