News Analysis India

Tag: Mallikarjun Kharge

  • Modi govt indifferent to pain, anguish of Manipur people: Congress chief Kharge

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday alleged that the Narendra Modi government was “indifferent” to the pain and anguish of the people of violence-hit Manipur.

    The Congress chief said MPs of the opposition alliance ‘INDIA’ who visited Manipur to assess the situation in the strife-torn state, heard heart-wrenching stories of pain from the people there.

    “While Manipur faced turmoil, the Modi government appeared indifferent,” he said on Twitter while asserting that the divide between communities was “deeply concerning.”

    “Despite time for poll rallies, self-PR train inaugurations, and attending BJP meetings, PM Modi seems to have no time to address the anguish and suffering of Manipur’s people or work towards resolving inter-community issues,” Kharde tweeted.

    While Manipur faced turmoil, the Modi Government appeared indifferent.Our INDIA alliance MPs, after visiting the state, heard heart-wrenching stories of pain from the people. They engaged with all communities.Over 50,000 people, including 10,000 innocent children, are in… pic.twitter.com/ZgCEozt2sA
    — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) July 31, 2023
    He also said, “The Modi government appears clueless and rudderless in handling the Manipur situation, evident in the absence of a comprehensive statement in Parliament.”

    Over 50,000 people, including 10,000 children, are in relief camps. The facilities there are inadequate, especially for women, and there are shortages of medicines and food, Kharge said.

    “Economic activities have come to a halt, with children unable to attend school, farmers ceasing their farming, and people grappling with both financial losses and psychological hardships,” Kharge said on Twitter.

    A delegation of 21 MPs of the INDIA alliance visited Manipur over the weekend and met many people in relief camps set up for those affected by violence in the state.

    NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday alleged that the Narendra Modi government was “indifferent” to the pain and anguish of the people of violence-hit Manipur.

    The Congress chief said MPs of the opposition alliance ‘INDIA’ who visited Manipur to assess the situation in the strife-torn state, heard heart-wrenching stories of pain from the people there.

    “While Manipur faced turmoil, the Modi government appeared indifferent,” he said on Twitter while asserting that the divide between communities was “deeply concerning.”googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “Despite time for poll rallies, self-PR train inaugurations, and attending BJP meetings, PM Modi seems to have no time to address the anguish and suffering of Manipur’s people or work towards resolving inter-community issues,” Kharde tweeted.

    While Manipur faced turmoil, the Modi Government appeared indifferent.
    Our INDIA alliance MPs, after visiting the state, heard heart-wrenching stories of pain from the people. They engaged with all communities.
    Over 50,000 people, including 10,000 innocent children, are in… pic.twitter.com/ZgCEozt2sA
    — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) July 31, 2023
    He also said, “The Modi government appears clueless and rudderless in handling the Manipur situation, evident in the absence of a comprehensive statement in Parliament.”

    Over 50,000 people, including 10,000 children, are in relief camps. The facilities there are inadequate, especially for women, and there are shortages of medicines and food, Kharge said.

    “Economic activities have come to a halt, with children unable to attend school, farmers ceasing their farming, and people grappling with both financial losses and psychological hardships,” Kharge said on Twitter.

    A delegation of 21 MPs of the INDIA alliance visited Manipur over the weekend and met many people in relief camps set up for those affected by violence in the state.

  • Modi govt’s ‘fire sale’ of national assets to ‘friends’ is ‘single biggest anti-national’ act: Kharge  

    The Congress has been running a campaign claiming that the government's nine years have been marked by incompetence and failures. NEW DELHI: With the Modi government completing nine years in office, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday accused it of carrying out a “fire sale” of national assets and PSUs to its crony capitalist “friends” and claimed this was the “single biggest anti-national” act.

    The Congress has been running a campaign claiming that the government’s nine years have been marked by incompetence and failures.

    “Modi Govt’s ‘Fire Sale’ of National Assets & PSUs to its ‘Mitr Cronies’ is the single biggest ‘Anti-National’ act!” Kharge said in a tweet.

    This “destructive loot” is snatching away job opportunities for India’s poor, SCs, STs, and OBCs, he alleged.

    Modi Govt’s ‘Fire Sale’ of National Assets & PSUs to its ‘Mitr Cronies’ is the single biggest ‘Anti-National’ act !

    This ‘Destructive Loot’ is snatching away the job opportunities for India’s poor, SCs, STs, OBCs in shape of reservation.

    #NaakamiKe9Saal pic.twitter.com/s3VBDwidOP
    — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) May 31, 2023

    Attacking the Modi government, which completed nine years in office last week, Kharge had earlier taken a dig at the government, accusing it of “looting” people’s earnings through “deadly inflation” while making “arrogant claims” about it.

    The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has planned a month-long campaign to celebrate the ninth anniversary with various mass connect programmes.

    Senior BJP leaders, including Union ministers and chief ministers, had on Monday highlighted the government’s achievements in a nationwide outreach.

  • Congress leaders from Madhya Pradesh meet Kharge over poll preparedness

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI Top Congress leaders from Madhya Pradesh on Monday met party chief Mallikarjun Kharge at the AICC headquarters here over the preparedness for the upcoming assembly elections in the state.

    Sources said the meeting was attended by Rahul Gandhi, former chief minister Kamal Nath, among others.

    Kharge will also hold deliberations with party leaders from Rajasthan where Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his former deputy Sachin Pilot will be in attendance.

    Gehlot has already reached the national capital for the meet. These interactions will be attended by state unit chiefs as well as party in-charges of both the poll-bound states.

    #WATCH | When asked about various “formulae” being speculated around Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot, CM Gehlot says, “Never in my life have I seen a tradition in Congress that a leader demands something or high command asks him what post he wants…High Command &… pic.twitter.com/f47AtCYVx7
    — ANI (@ANI) May 29, 2023
    These are also part of the Congress’ efforts to activate party cadres and prepare the ground for the assembly polls slated later this year.

    NEW DELHI Top Congress leaders from Madhya Pradesh on Monday met party chief Mallikarjun Kharge at the AICC headquarters here over the preparedness for the upcoming assembly elections in the state.

    Sources said the meeting was attended by Rahul Gandhi, former chief minister Kamal Nath, among others.

    Kharge will also hold deliberations with party leaders from Rajasthan where Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his former deputy Sachin Pilot will be in attendance.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2′); });

    Gehlot has already reached the national capital for the meet. These interactions will be attended by state unit chiefs as well as party in-charges of both the poll-bound states.

    #WATCH | When asked about various “formulae” being speculated around Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot, CM Gehlot says, “Never in my life have I seen a tradition in Congress that a leader demands something or high command asks him what post he wants…High Command &… pic.twitter.com/f47AtCYVx7
    — ANI (@ANI) May 29, 2023
    These are also part of the Congress’ efforts to activate party cadres and prepare the ground for the assembly polls slated later this year.

  • Kharge writes to PM Modi demanding caste census, says reliable database essential for social justice

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and demanded an up-to-date caste census.

    In his letter, Kharge said in the absence of an updated caste census, a reliable database so very essential for meaningful social justice and empowerment programmes, particularly for OBCs, is incomplete.

    My letter to the Prime Minister demanding the publication of Socio Economic Caste Census.Regular decennial Census was to be carried out in 2021 but it has not been conducted. We demand that it be done immediately and that a comprehensive Caste Census be made it’s integral part. pic.twitter.com/eoL52gRFC1
    — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) April 17, 2023
    “I am writing to you to once again place on record the demand of the Indian National Congress for an up-to-date Caste Census. My colleagues and I have raised this demand earlier in both Houses of Parliament on a number of occasions as have leaders of many other Opposition parties,” the Congress chief said in his letter.

    “You are aware that for the first time, the UPA Government conducted a Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) during 2011-12 covering some 25 crore households. For a number of reasons, however, the caste data could not get published even though Congress and other MPs demanded its release after your government came to power in May 2014,” he said.

    “In the absence of an updated Caste Census, I am afraid a reliable database so very essential for meaningful social justice and empowerment programmes, particularly for OBCs, is incomplete. This Census is the responsibility of the Union Government,” Kharge said.

    In the letter dated April 16, he also pointed out that the regular decennial census was to be carried out in 2021 but it has not yet been conducted.

    “We demand that it be done immediately and that a comprehensive Caste Census be made its integral part,” Kharge said.

    Sharing Kharge’s letter to the prime minister, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh tweeted “Jitni aabadi, utna haq! Congress President @kharge -ji has written to PM demanding that the decennial Census that should have been conducted in 2021 be done right away, and a Caste Census be made it’s integral part.

    This will put social justice & empowerment on a firmer footing”.

    ALSO READ | Release caste census data, remove quota cap, Rahul tells Modi govt

    Addressing a rally in Katnataka’s Kolar, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday also dared Prime Minister Modi to release the 2011 caste-based census data in the public domain and also demanded the 50 per cent cap on reservation be removed.

    “UPA in 2011 did the caste-based census. It has the data of all the castes. Mr Prime Minister, you talk of OBCs. Make that data public. Let the nation know how many OBCs, Dalits and tribals are there in the country,” Gandhi had said at the Congress’ ‘Jai Bharat’ election rally in Kolar in the run-up to the May 10 Karnataka polls.

    NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and demanded an up-to-date caste census.

    In his letter, Kharge said in the absence of an updated caste census, a reliable database so very essential for meaningful social justice and empowerment programmes, particularly for OBCs, is incomplete.

    My letter to the Prime Minister demanding the publication of Socio Economic Caste Census.
    Regular decennial Census was to be carried out in 2021 but it has not been conducted. We demand that it be done immediately and that a comprehensive Caste Census be made it’s integral part. pic.twitter.com/eoL52gRFC1googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2′); });
    — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) April 17, 2023
    “I am writing to you to once again place on record the demand of the Indian National Congress for an up-to-date Caste Census. My colleagues and I have raised this demand earlier in both Houses of Parliament on a number of occasions as have leaders of many other Opposition parties,” the Congress chief said in his letter.

    “You are aware that for the first time, the UPA Government conducted a Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) during 2011-12 covering some 25 crore households. For a number of reasons, however, the caste data could not get published even though Congress and other MPs demanded its release after your government came to power in May 2014,” he said.

    “In the absence of an updated Caste Census, I am afraid a reliable database so very essential for meaningful social justice and empowerment programmes, particularly for OBCs, is incomplete. This Census is the responsibility of the Union Government,” Kharge said.

    In the letter dated April 16, he also pointed out that the regular decennial census was to be carried out in 2021 but it has not yet been conducted.

    “We demand that it be done immediately and that a comprehensive Caste Census be made its integral part,” Kharge said.

    Sharing Kharge’s letter to the prime minister, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh tweeted “Jitni aabadi, utna haq! Congress President @kharge -ji has written to PM demanding that the decennial Census that should have been conducted in 2021 be done right away, and a Caste Census be made it’s integral part.

    This will put social justice & empowerment on a firmer footing”.

    ALSO READ | Release caste census data, remove quota cap, Rahul tells Modi govt

    Addressing a rally in Katnataka’s Kolar, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday also dared Prime Minister Modi to release the 2011 caste-based census data in the public domain and also demanded the 50 per cent cap on reservation be removed.

    “UPA in 2011 did the caste-based census. It has the data of all the castes. Mr Prime Minister, you talk of OBCs. Make that data public. Let the nation know how many OBCs, Dalits and tribals are there in the country,” Gandhi had said at the Congress’ ‘Jai Bharat’ election rally in Kolar in the run-up to the May 10 Karnataka polls.

  • Oppn parties to meet at Kharge’s office in Parliament ahead of 2nd phase of Budget session on Monday

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Opposition leaders will hold a meeting on Monday morning to firm up their floor strategy for the second leg of the Budget session as they gear up to corner the government on issues such as alleged misuse of probe agencies and the Adani row.

    The opposition leaders are expected to meet at Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge’s office in the Parliament complex at around 10 am, sources said.

    The Congress MPs will gather at the Congress Parliamentary Party office before the meeting to deliberate on the party’s strategy, they said.

    The Congress is also set for a duel with the BJP over Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in the UK over which the saffron party’s leaders have been continuously attacking the former AICC chief.

    Opposition parties are gearing up to corner the government on issues such as alleged misuse of probe agencies to target their leaders, allegations against the Adani Group, border standoff with China, price rise and unemployment.

    The Congress continues to demand a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe into the allegations related to the Adani Group.

    Congress MP K Suresh maintained that his party will continue to raise the Adani-Hindenburg issue as the government is yet to give a reply on the controversy.

    The focus, however, is on the alleged misuse of probe agencies with RJD chief Lalu Prasad and his family facing the heat from central agencies in the alleged land-for-jobs scam.

    Parties such as the Samajwadi Party, Left parties and the DMK have also lodged strong protests against the alleged attack on the federal structure and the misuse of institutions.

    Congress whip in Lok Sabha Manickam Tagore has asserted that the Congress will strongly raise the issue of “misuse” of agencies.

    Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday accused the Narendra Modi government of making “sinister attempts to kill democracy” by misusing probe agencies against opposition leaders, as he slammed the Centre over the ED searches on the premises of Prasad’s family.

    The Budget session of Parliament, which began on January 31, is likely to conclude on April 6.

    Parliament is meeting after a month-long recess, which allows various parliamentary panels to scrutinise allocations made in the Union Budget for different ministries.

    The Trinamool Congress is set to raise in Parliament issues such as LIC and SBI’s risk exposure, price rise of essential commodities, unemployment and “misuse” of central agencies during the second phase of the session, its Rajya Sabha floor leader Derek O’Brien had said recently.

    He had said LIC’s risk exposure and price rise affect the lives and savings of the common people and should be highlighted.

    The TMC will also raise the issue of “political vendetta” against non-BJP-ruled states in Parliament and also question the Union government on “holding back funds for schemes such as MGNREGA”, O’Brien said.

    The issue of LIC and SBI’s exposure to the Adani Group was raised by various opposition parties in the first leg of Parliament’s Budget session which saw multiple disruptions.

    NEW DELHI: Opposition leaders will hold a meeting on Monday morning to firm up their floor strategy for the second leg of the Budget session as they gear up to corner the government on issues such as alleged misuse of probe agencies and the Adani row.

    The opposition leaders are expected to meet at Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge’s office in the Parliament complex at around 10 am, sources said.

    The Congress MPs will gather at the Congress Parliamentary Party office before the meeting to deliberate on the party’s strategy, they said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The Congress is also set for a duel with the BJP over Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in the UK over which the saffron party’s leaders have been continuously attacking the former AICC chief.

    Opposition parties are gearing up to corner the government on issues such as alleged misuse of probe agencies to target their leaders, allegations against the Adani Group, border standoff with China, price rise and unemployment.

    The Congress continues to demand a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe into the allegations related to the Adani Group.

    Congress MP K Suresh maintained that his party will continue to raise the Adani-Hindenburg issue as the government is yet to give a reply on the controversy.

    The focus, however, is on the alleged misuse of probe agencies with RJD chief Lalu Prasad and his family facing the heat from central agencies in the alleged land-for-jobs scam.

    Parties such as the Samajwadi Party, Left parties and the DMK have also lodged strong protests against the alleged attack on the federal structure and the misuse of institutions.

    Congress whip in Lok Sabha Manickam Tagore has asserted that the Congress will strongly raise the issue of “misuse” of agencies.

    Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday accused the Narendra Modi government of making “sinister attempts to kill democracy” by misusing probe agencies against opposition leaders, as he slammed the Centre over the ED searches on the premises of Prasad’s family.

    The Budget session of Parliament, which began on January 31, is likely to conclude on April 6.

    Parliament is meeting after a month-long recess, which allows various parliamentary panels to scrutinise allocations made in the Union Budget for different ministries.

    The Trinamool Congress is set to raise in Parliament issues such as LIC and SBI’s risk exposure, price rise of essential commodities, unemployment and “misuse” of central agencies during the second phase of the session, its Rajya Sabha floor leader Derek O’Brien had said recently.

    He had said LIC’s risk exposure and price rise affect the lives and savings of the common people and should be highlighted.

    The TMC will also raise the issue of “political vendetta” against non-BJP-ruled states in Parliament and also question the Union government on “holding back funds for schemes such as MGNREGA”, O’Brien said.

    The issue of LIC and SBI’s exposure to the Adani Group was raised by various opposition parties in the first leg of Parliament’s Budget session which saw multiple disruptions.

  • Congress together with friendly parties will form govt: Kharge

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday claimed that Congress, together with friendly parties, will form the government collectively in 2024.

    His remarks at the Indian National Trade Union Congress plenary session here came a day after he said at an election rally in Nagaland that a coalition government led by the Congress will form the next government at the Centre.

    In his remarks at the INTUC event, Kharge said everyone will work jointly and the Congress, together with friendly parties, will definitely form the government in 2024.

    “This will happen with everyone’s cooperation, collectively,” the Congress chief added.

    He also hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his remarks that he alone outweighs all, saying such arrogance is not good. 

    “You are not alone, there is BJP, the RSS…56 inch has become a bit weak now. The person who talks with such arrogance, people will not tolerate such a person,” Kharge said.

    “This is democracy. That is why I want to say to him, don’t talk like this,” he said.

    Kharge said that on the one hand, the BJP talks of democracy and on the other, it topples democratically elected governments.

    Addressing an election rally in Dimapur on Tuesday, Kharge alleged that the BJP used “pressure tactics” to form governments in six to seven states, including Nagaland. 

    “A Congress-led alliance will come to power at the Centre. We are in talks with other parties. The BJP will not get a majority…all other parties together will. We will follow the Constitution and democracy…Let 100 Modis or Shahs come. This is India and the Constitution is very strong,” he had said.

    Tagging his remarks, Kharge tweeted Wednesday, “In 2024, an alliance Govt shall be formed in the Centre. Congress will lead that alliance.” 

    NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday claimed that Congress, together with friendly parties, will form the government collectively in 2024.

    His remarks at the Indian National Trade Union Congress plenary session here came a day after he said at an election rally in Nagaland that a coalition government led by the Congress will form the next government at the Centre.

    In his remarks at the INTUC event, Kharge said everyone will work jointly and the Congress, together with friendly parties, will definitely form the government in 2024.

    “This will happen with everyone’s cooperation, collectively,” the Congress chief added.

    He also hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his remarks that he alone outweighs all, saying such arrogance is not good. 

    “You are not alone, there is BJP, the RSS…56 inch has become a bit weak now. The person who talks with such arrogance, people will not tolerate such a person,” Kharge said.

    “This is democracy. That is why I want to say to him, don’t talk like this,” he said.

    Kharge said that on the one hand, the BJP talks of democracy and on the other, it topples democratically elected governments.

    Addressing an election rally in Dimapur on Tuesday, Kharge alleged that the BJP used “pressure tactics” to form governments in six to seven states, including Nagaland. 

    “A Congress-led alliance will come to power at the Centre. We are in talks with other parties. The BJP will not get a majority…all other parties together will. We will follow the Constitution and democracy…Let 100 Modis or Shahs come. This is India and the Constitution is very strong,” he had said.

    Tagging his remarks, Kharge tweeted Wednesday, “In 2024, an alliance Govt shall be formed in the Centre. Congress will lead that alliance.” 

  • Politics over ‘deletion’ heats up in Parliament

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Taking exception to the removal of six comments he made in the speech on the motion of Thanks on President’s address, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday wrote to Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar saying that he hasn’t made any personal charges and any rule of the House cannot subvert the constitutional guarantee of the freedom of speech.

    Demanding a JPC probe on the Hindenburg report on Adani Group, Kharge had attacked the Modi government on Wednesday, questioning its silence on the issue.On Thursday, the Upper House witnessed noisy scenes as Congress MPs objected to the deletion of Kharge’s remarks, pointing out that similar remarks made by former prime ministers Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh in the House continue to be part of the proceedings. Kharge said that he did not use any unparliamentary word or language or made any allegation on anyone.

    “Yet you picked out some words. I won’t say you misinterpreted them but if you had any doubt, you could have asked for clarification. But you deleted my words in six places” he told the House. “Former PM Vajpayee used a word against former PM P V Narasimha Rao and that word is still in the records,” said Kharge.In his letter to Dhankhar, Kharge pointed out that directions were made by the Chair on February 8 to authenticate six observations made by him during the speech.

    “The institution of Parliament of India is a platform to fix the accountability of the Executive. This necessitates that the policies and the decisions of the government are discussed, dissected and debated on the floor of the House. Any criticism of policies and decisions of the government and their fallouts cannot be construed as the allegation against any individual Member of the House,” he saidKharge further stated in his letter that Article 105 (1) of the Constitution of India guarantees freedom of speech for the Members of Parliament.

    “In consonance with this constitutional guarantee and rules of the House, a member is only required to authenticate any document that he lays on the table of the House. There is no convention or provision of authentication of points made in a speech on the floor of the House,” he said.On Wednesday, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha had removed 18 comments made by Rahul Gandhi during his speech on the motion of Thanks on President’s address. He had raised questions on Adani Group’s links with the government.  

    Kharge, in the letter said that it would be an inversion of the system of governance, if the opposition members are expected to gather evidence and then raise the matter on the floor of the House. “The arrangement, as I understand, is that the opposition member, or any private member, raises issues on the basis of inputs from media, reports in public domain, or even confidential personal information,” he said.“The member, after due-diligence, draws the attention of the House to such issues and it is incumbent upon the government to investigate the matter and take appropriate action in consonance with the law of the land,” Kharge said.

    Restore Rahul’s speech: Adhir writes to Speaker

    Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Thursday wrote to Speaker Om Birla urging him to revisit his decision to delete parts of Rahul Gandhi’s speech made during the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address. The leader asked the Speaker to restore Rahul s speech. “The freedom of speech that is available to MPs under Article 105(1) is wider in amplitude than the Right of Freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a),” he wrote.

    NEW DELHI: Taking exception to the removal of six comments he made in the speech on the motion of Thanks on President’s address, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday wrote to Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar saying that he hasn’t made any personal charges and any rule of the House cannot subvert the constitutional guarantee of the freedom of speech.

    Demanding a JPC probe on the Hindenburg report on Adani Group, Kharge had attacked the Modi government on Wednesday, questioning its silence on the issue.On Thursday, the Upper House witnessed noisy scenes as Congress MPs objected to the deletion of Kharge’s remarks, pointing out that similar remarks made by former prime ministers Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh in the House continue to be part of the proceedings. Kharge said that he did not use any unparliamentary word or language or made any allegation on anyone.

    “Yet you picked out some words. I won’t say you misinterpreted them but if you had any doubt, you could have asked for clarification. But you deleted my words in six places” he told the House. “Former PM Vajpayee used a word against former PM P V Narasimha Rao and that word is still in the records,” said Kharge.In his letter to Dhankhar, Kharge pointed out that directions were made by the Chair on February 8 to authenticate six observations made by him during the speech.

    “The institution of Parliament of India is a platform to fix the accountability of the Executive. This necessitates that the policies and the decisions of the government are discussed, dissected and debated on the floor of the House. Any criticism of policies and decisions of the government and their fallouts cannot be construed as the allegation against any individual Member of the House,” he saidKharge further stated in his letter that Article 105 (1) of the Constitution of India guarantees freedom of speech for the Members of Parliament.

    “In consonance with this constitutional guarantee and rules of the House, a member is only required to authenticate any document that he lays on the table of the House. There is no convention or provision of authentication of points made in a speech on the floor of the House,” he said.On Wednesday, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha had removed 18 comments made by Rahul Gandhi during his speech on the motion of Thanks on President’s address. He had raised questions on Adani Group’s links with the government.  

    Kharge, in the letter said that it would be an inversion of the system of governance, if the opposition members are expected to gather evidence and then raise the matter on the floor of the House. “The arrangement, as I understand, is that the opposition member, or any private member, raises issues on the basis of inputs from media, reports in public domain, or even confidential personal information,” he said.
    “The member, after due-diligence, draws the attention of the House to such issues and it is incumbent upon the government to investigate the matter and take appropriate action in consonance with the law of the land,” Kharge said.

    Restore Rahul’s speech: Adhir writes to Speaker

    Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Thursday wrote to Speaker Om Birla urging him to revisit his decision to delete parts of Rahul Gandhi’s speech made during the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address. The leader asked the Speaker to restore Rahul s speech. “The freedom of speech that is available to MPs under Article 105(1) is wider in amplitude than the Right of Freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a),” he wrote.

  • BJP’s ‘use and discard’ policy responsible for plight of Kashmiri Pandit employees: Kharge

    Rahul Bhat, a Kashmiri Pandit employee, was shot dead by terrorists inside his office at Chadoora in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir in May last year.

  • If Congress doesn’t save democracy, Modi, BJP will take country towards dictatorship: Kharge

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday claimed that if the party workers did not save the democracy and Constitution, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and RSS will take the country “on the path of dictatorship.”

    Kharge was speaking at a public meeting here to mark the 138th foundation day of the Congress.

    The Congress was born in Mumbai, he noted, adding that if the party workers did not remain strong and united, free debates and expression of views will cease in the country.

    Congress workers should expose the falsehoods peddled by the Bharatiya Janata Party, he said, adding, “It is the duty of each and every Congressman to preserve our democracy and Constitution.”

    ”If we do not do that, the BJP, RSS and prime minister Modi will destroy the country and take it on the path of dictatorship,” Kharge added.

    ALSO READ | Kharge attacks govt, says society being divided by hate

    Food security, the white revolution and green revolution were the Congress’s legacy, and yet the BJP questions what it did in 70 years, he said.

    “The Congress protected and preserved the Constitution, which is why Modi is PM today,” he said.

    The present Maharashtra government came to power through “theft” as MLAs were stolen and “put in a washing machine,” Kharge said.

    The BJP chooses leaders from the freedom movement selectively with an eye on votes, he alleged.

    ”I want to ask the BJP if they had the photos of Gandhi, Patel, Netaji Bose, Ambedkar ten years ago,” he said.

    The Bharat Jodo Yatra has energised the Congress, he said, while asking whether the government was using the excuse of COVID-19 to stop it.

    OPINION | Why Congress-Mukt Bharat is not a good idea

    MUMBAI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday claimed that if the party workers did not save the democracy and Constitution, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and RSS will take the country “on the path of dictatorship.”

    Kharge was speaking at a public meeting here to mark the 138th foundation day of the Congress.

    The Congress was born in Mumbai, he noted, adding that if the party workers did not remain strong and united, free debates and expression of views will cease in the country.

    Congress workers should expose the falsehoods peddled by the Bharatiya Janata Party, he said, adding, “It is the duty of each and every Congressman to preserve our democracy and Constitution.”

    ”If we do not do that, the BJP, RSS and prime minister Modi will destroy the country and take it on the path of dictatorship,” Kharge added.

    ALSO READ | Kharge attacks govt, says society being divided by hate

    Food security, the white revolution and green revolution were the Congress’s legacy, and yet the BJP questions what it did in 70 years, he said.

    “The Congress protected and preserved the Constitution, which is why Modi is PM today,” he said.

    The present Maharashtra government came to power through “theft” as MLAs were stolen and “put in a washing machine,” Kharge said.

    The BJP chooses leaders from the freedom movement selectively with an eye on votes, he alleged.

    ”I want to ask the BJP if they had the photos of Gandhi, Patel, Netaji Bose, Ambedkar ten years ago,” he said.

    The Bharat Jodo Yatra has energised the Congress, he said, while asking whether the government was using the excuse of COVID-19 to stop it.

    OPINION | Why Congress-Mukt Bharat is not a good idea

  • BJP govt ‘talks like a lion, acts like a mouse’: Congress chief Kharge on border face-off

    By PTI

    ALWAR (Rajasthan): Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday alleged that the BJP government “talks like a lion but acts like a mouse” as it is not taking on China for indulging in incursions along the border and is running away from a debate on the issue in Parliament.

    Speaking at a rally in Rajasthan’s Alwar on the sidelines of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, he also claimed that while the Congress stood for the country, helped attain Independence and its leaders gave supreme sacrifices, the BJP people “did not even lose a dog” for the country.

    The 80-year-old leader said when Rahul Gandhi talked about the border dispute with China at a presser recently, BJP leaders raised the matter alleging that he was trying to break the country and that he has no respect for Indian soldiers The Modi government claims that they are very strong, it pats itself on the back claiming no one can look into its eyes, but disputes and clashes are rising at the border, Kharge said.

    “After 20 of our soldiers were martyred at the border in Galwan, Modi ji met the Chinese president 18 times. They held meetings and even enjoyed swings. After all this, why is this happening at the border with China?” he said.

    Kharge said he again raised the issue of China in Parliament on Monday and wanted a discussion on the border situation, but the BJP government is not ready for it.

    ALSO READ | China preparing for war, Indian government asleep: Rahul Gandhi

    “They (BJP government) talk like a lion outwardly, but if you see they act like a mouse. We want that the issue be discussed and give notices, but they are still not ready for a discussion in Parliament,” he said.

    This government talks loudly, but is only destroying democracy, he alleged.

    “Every day the rights of the autonomous bodies are being taken away. ED, CBI, and CVC are trying to scare everyone by misusing their powers. They are also trying to scare the Congress people, but we will never be scared,” he said.

    The Congress got the country Independence, and several of our leaders, including Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, gave sacrifices, Kharge said.

    “Has even your dog at home died for the country? Still, they claim to be patriots and if we say something we are termed as deshdrohi (anti-nationals),” the Congress chief said.

    Kharge said it was surprising that his party’s demand for a discussion on the Chinese incursions at the border was not allowed. “They said there is no need for a discussion.”

    “Defence Minister Rajnath Singh came and gave a one-page statement and left. But we needed a discussion on what is happening with China, what the government is doing and what is the state of our border and soldiers. We are with the country for national security, and we will all together protect the country. But why are you hiding and running away from a discussion over China,” he said, adding that the Congress is only seeking information on what is happening.

    ALSO READ | Accused of altering status quo, Beijing downplays Arunachal border clash 

    Today this BJP government does not think about the farmers, he alleged and reminded the ruling party of its promise of doubling the farmers’ income. “Farmers were crushed to death by the home minister’s son under a jeep, no action is taken, inflation has increased so much today,” he said.

    Unemployment has skyrocketed while 30 lakh government posts are lying vacant in the country, Kharge said. “By giving a letter of 71,000 jobs, do event management, but 30 lakh jobs are vacant in the public sector. Why are you not filling them up? They (BJP) want to keep the poor while making their friends richer,” the Congress president said.

    He also exuded confidence that Congress would win the 2024 general elections, citing the affection the Rahul Gandhi-led yatra is getting.

    Kharge also accused the BJP of dividing the people of the country on lines of religion, caste and region and alleged that it is ending democracy and autonomy of constitutional institutions. “That is why Rahul Gandhi is holding the Bharat Jodo Yatra and is trying to unite everyone,” he claimed.

    Earlier in the day, Kharge raised the issue of the border conflict with China in the Rajya Sabha and demanded a discussion on the issue.

    “China is illegally encroaching upon our borders. Satellite imagery shows that they are building divisional headquarters, army garrison and weapon shelters for artillery. Why is the Modi government shying away from ‘China pe charcha’?” he asked on Twitter.

    China is illegally encroaching upon our borders.Satellite imagery shows that they are building divisional headquarters, army garrison and weapon shelters for artillery.Why is the Modi Govt shying away from ‘CHINA PE CHARCHA’ ? pic.twitter.com/2HRLndXM0Y
    — Leader of Opposition, Rajya Sabha (@LoPIndia) December 19, 2022

    ALWAR (Rajasthan): Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday alleged that the BJP government “talks like a lion but acts like a mouse” as it is not taking on China for indulging in incursions along the border and is running away from a debate on the issue in Parliament.

    Speaking at a rally in Rajasthan’s Alwar on the sidelines of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, he also claimed that while the Congress stood for the country, helped attain Independence and its leaders gave supreme sacrifices, the BJP people “did not even lose a dog” for the country.

    The 80-year-old leader said when Rahul Gandhi talked about the border dispute with China at a presser recently, BJP leaders raised the matter alleging that he was trying to break the country and that he has no respect for Indian soldiers The Modi government claims that they are very strong, it pats itself on the back claiming no one can look into its eyes, but disputes and clashes are rising at the border, Kharge said.

    “After 20 of our soldiers were martyred at the border in Galwan, Modi ji met the Chinese president 18 times. They held meetings and even enjoyed swings. After all this, why is this happening at the border with China?” he said.

    Kharge said he again raised the issue of China in Parliament on Monday and wanted a discussion on the border situation, but the BJP government is not ready for it.

    ALSO READ | China preparing for war, Indian government asleep: Rahul Gandhi

    “They (BJP government) talk like a lion outwardly, but if you see they act like a mouse. We want that the issue be discussed and give notices, but they are still not ready for a discussion in Parliament,” he said.

    This government talks loudly, but is only destroying democracy, he alleged.

    “Every day the rights of the autonomous bodies are being taken away. ED, CBI, and CVC are trying to scare everyone by misusing their powers. They are also trying to scare the Congress people, but we will never be scared,” he said.

    The Congress got the country Independence, and several of our leaders, including Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, gave sacrifices, Kharge said.

    “Has even your dog at home died for the country? Still, they claim to be patriots and if we say something we are termed as deshdrohi (anti-nationals),” the Congress chief said.

    Kharge said it was surprising that his party’s demand for a discussion on the Chinese incursions at the border was not allowed. “They said there is no need for a discussion.”

    “Defence Minister Rajnath Singh came and gave a one-page statement and left. But we needed a discussion on what is happening with China, what the government is doing and what is the state of our border and soldiers. We are with the country for national security, and we will all together protect the country. But why are you hiding and running away from a discussion over China,” he said, adding that the Congress is only seeking information on what is happening.

    ALSO READ | Accused of altering status quo, Beijing downplays Arunachal border clash 

    Today this BJP government does not think about the farmers, he alleged and reminded the ruling party of its promise of doubling the farmers’ income. “Farmers were crushed to death by the home minister’s son under a jeep, no action is taken, inflation has increased so much today,” he said.

    Unemployment has skyrocketed while 30 lakh government posts are lying vacant in the country, Kharge said. “By giving a letter of 71,000 jobs, do event management, but 30 lakh jobs are vacant in the public sector. Why are you not filling them up? They (BJP) want to keep the poor while making their friends richer,” the Congress president said.

    He also exuded confidence that Congress would win the 2024 general elections, citing the affection the Rahul Gandhi-led yatra is getting.

    Kharge also accused the BJP of dividing the people of the country on lines of religion, caste and region and alleged that it is ending democracy and autonomy of constitutional institutions. “That is why Rahul Gandhi is holding the Bharat Jodo Yatra and is trying to unite everyone,” he claimed.

    Earlier in the day, Kharge raised the issue of the border conflict with China in the Rajya Sabha and demanded a discussion on the issue.

    “China is illegally encroaching upon our borders. Satellite imagery shows that they are building divisional headquarters, army garrison and weapon shelters for artillery. Why is the Modi government shying away from ‘China pe charcha’?” he asked on Twitter.

    China is illegally encroaching upon our borders.
    Satellite imagery shows that they are building divisional headquarters, army garrison and weapon shelters for artillery.
    Why is the Modi Govt shying away from ‘CHINA PE CHARCHA’ ? pic.twitter.com/2HRLndXM0Y
    — Leader of Opposition, Rajya Sabha (@LoPIndia) December 19, 2022