Modi and Kharge face off on election promises; Congress highlights 'betrayal' in BJP

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent remarks aimed at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge regarding election promises have ignited a fiery political debate. On Friday, the Opposition party retaliated fiercely, accusing the ruling party of deception, asserting that the "B" in BJP stands for "betrayal" and the "J" for "jumla" (empty promises). Kharge strongly criticized PM Modi for claiming that Congress failed to deliver on its promises in Karnataka, stating, “Lies, deceit, fraud, loot, and publicity” are the five words that best describe the BJP government. He further declared that Modi’s promotion of a 100-day plan was nothing more than a cheap public relations stunt. Citing an RTI request filed with the PMO, Kharge noted the lack of details regarding Modi’s claims of consulting over 20 lakh people for a roadmap for 2047, exposing what he termed “lies.” In a pointed attack, Kharge asserted that the 'B' in BJP symbolizes betrayal while the 'J' represents “Jhumla.” Modi, in response, criticized the Congress for its promises in states like Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana, asserting that the developmental trajectory and fiscal health in these Congress-ruled states are deteriorating. He remarked that the Congress party is learning the hard way that making grand promises is easy, but delivering on them is challenging, if not impossible. Modi pointed to unfulfilled promises in these states, describing them as a significant deceit to the populace. He highlighted issues such as delayed government worker salaries in Himachal Pradesh and unmet farmer waivers in Telangana.

Congress leaders, including Kharge, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, and Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal, all responded to Modi’s criticisms. Kharge raised concerns about the promise of “two crore jobs per year” and questioned why India is experiencing a 45-year high in unemployment. He also highlighted issues related to job leaks and job losses resulting from the government’s policies. Taking a jab at the BJP’s “Acche Din” promise, Kharge remarked on the depreciation of the rupee and questioned the government’s mounting debt, which he said amounts to ₹1.5 lakh for every Indian. He accused the Modi administration of neglecting marginalized communities and criticized various policies that adversely affected farmers.

Siddaramaiah defended Congress’s track record in Karnataka, claiming that all five of their election guarantees have been implemented with a substantial budget. He accused the BJP of fostering corruption and leaving the state in debt while diverting funds that could benefit the people. Sukhu echoed these sentiments, stating that the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh is committed to fulfilling its promises and has already delivered on five out of ten guarantees made during the 2022 elections. He projected a vision for making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant and prosperous. Baghel also chimed in, urging the Prime Minister to refrain from petty politics and to avoid playing the blame game for short-term political advantages. He expressed disappointment at Modi's remarks, reminding him that the people of Chhattisgarh still recall the Congress government as one that delivered on its promises.