Kharge Critiques Modi Government on EVMs and Institutional Integrity
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Synopsis
During the AICC session in Gujarat, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the Modi government for allegedly undermining democracy and manipulating elections through EVMs, while also highlighting issues of unemployment and the erosion of institutional integrity.
Key Takeaways
- Kharge accuses Modi government of manipulating elections.
- Concerns over EVMs being a fraud.
- Highlighting the erosion of constitutional safeguards for SC, ST, and OBC.
- Claims of economic policies threatening equity.
- Growing unemployment and youth emigration issues.
Ahmedabad, April 9 (NationPress) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, addressing the All India Congress Committee (AICC) meeting in Gujarat, mounted a fierce criticism of the Narendra Modi-led Central administration, alleging it is undermining democracy and manipulating elections via Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
This AICC session, occurring in Gujarat for the first time in over six decades, was a pivotal moment for the Congress to articulate its opposition to the current government's policies and governance strategies.
Kharge voiced significant apprehensions regarding the deployment of EVMs, labeling the system a fraud that is engineered to thwart opposition and favor the ruling party. He noted that while numerous developed nations have reverted to paper ballots, India persists with EVMs which can sway electoral outcomes in favor of the government.
"The government has constructed a framework that only benefits them. However, the youth of this nation will soon stand up and demand - ‘We don’t want EVMs!’" Kharge emphasized.
Additionally, he accused the Modi administration of enacting policies that threaten economic fairness.
Kharge raised alarms about the erosion of constitutional safeguards, especially concerning the reservation rights of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).
He claimed that the current administration is diluting the essential structure that guarantees social justice and equality in public employment. “The backbone of social justice is under siege, and even constitutional assurances are no longer secure,” he stated.
Moreover, he expressed concern over the degradation of independent institutions. “No institution is exempt - not even the Election Commission. All are being manipulated to align with the political motives of the ruling party,” he continued, highlighting a wider worry about the disintegration of democratic checks and balances.
Kharge also addressed the escalating unemployment crisis and the rising number of Indians — particularly the youth — emigrating from the country.
He brought attention to the hardships faced by young Indians who, in pursuit of employment, relocate abroad but are now being deported or detained, often in restraints. “The wealthy have already emigrated. Now, our youth are being returned in shackles. Yet, the Prime Minister remains silent,” he said.
Choosing Gujarat as the venue for the AICC session was meaningful. As Modi's home state and a bastion for the BJP, it underscored the Congress party’s determination to challenge the ruling party at its core.
