Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 8: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday urged opposition parties to reinforce the unity displayed in Parliament and strengthen the INDIA bloc's collective fight against the Narendra Modi-led government, describing recent cooperation among alliance partners as a model for future political battles.
Addressing a meeting of INDIA bloc leaders, Kharge highlighted what he called a significant victory for the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, where allied parties united to block the government's proposed delimitation-related legislation. He said the episode demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated opposition action and should serve as the foundation for a stronger alliance going forward.
According to Kharge, the same spirit of solidarity must now be channelled into confronting a range of issues facing the country, including economic challenges, social concerns, governance failures and foreign policy matters.
The Congress chief also outlined what he described as a roadmap for revitalising the opposition alliance following setbacks in several Assembly elections. He called for deeper consultation, strategic planning and greater participation from all constituent parties to build a more effective political front capable of challenging the ruling establishment.
Launching a broad attack on the BJP-led NDA government, Kharge accused the Centre of undermining constitutional values and misusing investigative agencies to target political opponents. He also alleged that non-BJP state governments were being subjected to discriminatory treatment.
On the economic front, Kharge expressed concern over slowing investment activity and employment generation, arguing that the pace of new investments remains inadequate to create sufficient job opportunities for the country's youth. He further claimed that the growing concentration of economic power among large corporate entities was creating difficulties for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
He warned that the country's economic environment had become increasingly challenging, citing rising prices of essential commodities and the impact on ordinary households. Kharge also pointed to global uncertainties, including tensions in West Asia, as factors adding pressure to the domestic economy.
Turning to foreign affairs, the Congress leader alleged that India's traditional diplomatic principles had been weakened and claimed that the country's foreign policy approach had deviated from long-standing national positions.
Kharge also raised concerns over electoral and institutional issues, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, which he alleged had affected the voting rights of large numbers of citizens. He described these developments, along with what he called the continued erosion of constitutional safeguards, as matters requiring urgent attention.
Addressing the concerns of young people, Kharge criticised repeated examination paper leaks and alleged mismanagement within the recruitment and examination system. He argued that such incidents were damaging the aspirations of students and job seekers across the country.
The Congress president further expressed concern about the condition of marginalised communities, claiming that incidents of injustice and discrimination against weaker sections of society continued to occur, particularly in states governed by the BJP.
Concluding his remarks, Kharge called on opposition parties to remain united and coordinated in their efforts, arguing that a stronger INDIA bloc would be essential to effectively challenge the government on issues affecting democracy, governance, the economy and social justice.