Haldwani, Uttarakhand: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a massive public rally in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, where he launched a strong attack on the BJP and RSS, accusing them of damaging the interests of Uttarakhand, which he described as the sacred Devbhoomi. Kharge called upon people to unite and remove the BJP from power in the state.
Addressing the gathering, Kharge said, “The BJP people have left no stone unturned in devastating the sacred Devbhoomi; we must unite to uproot them and throw them out of power.” He used the lotus, the BJP’s electoral symbol, to make a political appeal, saying, “Now, at least change the water of this pond. These lotus flowers have started to wither. Remove these wilted flowers. Form a Congress government in the state and take the country forward.”
Kharge also accused the BJP and RSS of allegedly looting people in the name of religion. Referring to Kedarnath Dham, Badrinath Dham and the Ram Mandir, he alleged that corruption and looting were taking place at religious places. He said those who allegedly steal offerings from temples accuse others of being opponents of God. Kharge said that whenever he raises the issue in Parliament, BJP MPs create a ruckus because, according to him, they fear that alleged wrongdoing could come before the public.
Targeting the BJP’s “double-engine government” slogan, Kharge alleged that the government spends ₹1,000 crore every year on its own publicity and propaganda. He questioned whose money was being spent, saying that the money belongs to the public and comes from taxpayers. He accused the Uttarakhand Chief Minister of allegedly spending public money to promote his own image and that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Kharge also criticised the Agniveer Scheme, alleging that it has damaged the future of young soldiers by sending them back after four years of service. He said that if the Congress comes to power, wherever vacancies exist, Agniveers will be recruited, and the Congress will also implement Old Age Pension.
On education and employment, Kharge said that India’s education and employment system has been severely damaged. He said that degrees are being awarded, but young people are not acquiring adequate skills. Referring to the New Education Policy 2020, he said it had set a target of connecting 50 per cent of students with vocational education by 2025, but claimed that only 2 per cent had been achieved on the ground.
Kharge further alleged that the government’s economic policies are benefiting a select group of large industrial houses instead of encouraging employment-generating investment. He said India produces around 5 million graduates every year, while only 2.8 million graduate-level jobs are created. According to him, this leaves the dreams of around 2.2 million young people shattered every year before they can begin their careers.
Raising the issue of recruitment examinations, Kharge alleged that a “paper leak industry” has emerged, ranging from examinations conducted by the Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission to several other recruitment processes. He alleged that jobs are being “sold” and that a recruitment mafia is flourishing, with jobs allegedly going to people who have money and political connections with the BJP.
Kharge said the Congress had stood in solidarity with young people who went on hunger strike at Jantar Mantar against paper leaks. He claimed that Congress leaders have also been raising their voices in Parliament for several days against the alleged brutality faced by protesting students.
According to Kharge, on the alleged orders of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, pellet guns were fired at young protesters, water cannons and tear gas were used, electrified barricades were installed, and lathi charges were carried out with nail-studded batons. He further alleged that electrified batons were used at some locations.
Kharge said the Congress has been raising questions about these issues in Parliament for the past 15 days, but alleged that neither the Prime Minister nor the Home Minister has provided answers. He accused the government of avoiding accountability in Parliament and questioned whether such conduct is consistent with democracy.
Kharge concluded by asking, “Is this what democracy is? Isn’t it the government’s responsibility to answer the people’s questions?”