“The BJP is running an autocratic government under Narendra Modi. They have no respect for the Constitution or the rule of law. Their ultimate aim is to rewrite the Constitution to suit their ideology—removing words like ‘socialism’ and ‘secularism”: Kharge
BHUBANESWAR: In a forceful attempt to reclaim political ground in Odisha, the Indian National Congress staged a high-octane public rally at the Baramunda Ground in Bhubaneswar on Friday. The event witnessed the presence of the party’s top brass, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, senior leader Rahul Gandhi, and AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal.
Addressing an enthusiastic crowd, Kharge launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing the Narendra Modi-led central government of attempting to dismantle the Constitution and impose authoritarian rule.
“The BJP is running an autocratic government under Narendra Modi. They have no respect for the Constitution or the rule of law. Their ultimate aim is to rewrite the Constitution to suit their ideology—removing words like ‘socialism’ and ‘secularism,’” said Kharge, drawing loud cheers from the audience.
Warning that fundamental democratic rights, including universal adult suffrage, could be at risk if the BJP remained in power, Kharge urged the people to stay vigilant and politically active.
Kharge also raised concerns over alleged electoral manipulations in various states. He described the Maharashtra government as a “stolen mandate,” claiming it was formed through undemocratic means. “In Bihar too, they are plotting something similar. Out of 7 crore voters, they reportedly plan to delete the names of 2 crore people,” he alleged.
Continuing his tirade, Kharge said the BJP’s demand for 400 Lok Sabha seats in the recent general elections was a calculated move to secure a brute majority and amend the Constitution. “But the people of India saw through the conspiracy. They denied the BJP a clear majority and protected the soul of the Constitution,” he said.
Targeting Prime Minister Modi for his silence on the crisis in Manipur, Kharge asked, “He has travelled to more than 160 countries. What stops him from visiting Manipur, where people have been suffering for months?”
He also took a swipe at the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, calling it a “scam in disguise.” Kharge alleged that the scheme has become a conduit for transferring public money from poor farmers into the coffers of private insurance companies.
The rally was part of Congress’s renewed effort to re-establish itself in Odisha, where the party has seen a decline in electoral fortunes in recent years. Party leaders are banking on a mix of national issues and regional outreach to revive grassroots support ahead of upcoming elections.
