Challenging the BJP’s claims of nationalism and patriotism, Kharge questioned whether any of the party leaders had made sacrifices during the freedom struggle.
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — Kicking off the poll campaign for the Lok Sabha elections in Uttarakhand, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday emphasised the need to separate religion and politics.
Highlighting the importance of maintaining the distinction between religion and politics, Kharge expressed concern that when the two get mixed up, it becomes challenging to distinguish between right and wrong.
Addressing party workers in Dehradun, Kharge took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting that he seems to be trying to portray himself as the eleventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. He remarked, “Every time you switch on TV, Modi is seen holding forth.”
The Congress chief accused Modi of attempting to blend religion and politics, urging for a clear separation, reports reaching here said on Tuesday.
Kharge also criticised the government for the Agniveer scheme, claiming that despite promises of job creation, young men are left unemployed after the four-year tenure of the scheme. Additionally, he accused the Modi government of reducing reservations in the appointment of university teaching staff.
Challenging the BJP’s claims of nationalism and patriotism, Kharge questioned whether any of the party leaders had made sacrifices during the freedom struggle or post-independence period. He contrasted this with the Congress leaders, citing examples like Pandit Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi, who he said had made significant sacrifices for the unity and integrity of the country. Kharge said, “And you have the audacity to teach us patriotism and nationalism.”
