Jharkhand: Mallikarjun Kharge slams BJP, RSS over divisive politics ahead of elections

New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a fierce attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during a public meeting in Simdega, Jharkhand, accusing the ruling party of dividing the nation and neglecting the underprivileged. Kharge alleged that the BJP and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), thrive on divisive politics while failing to address pressing issues faced by the poor.

“BJP Divides the Poor”

Kharge ridiculed the BJP's slogan “Batenge to Katenge” (if divided, we will be wiped out), claiming it reflects the party’s true intentions. “RSS and BJP are the ones dividing the country and its underprivileged citizens. Now, they hypocritically say ‘Batenge to Katenge.’ They have their government at the Center, but they rule only for themselves,” Kharge said.

Criticism of Modi’s Governance

Taking aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s slogan “Sath hai to safe hai” (together, we are safe), Kharge questioned what the BJP government has done to ensure safety. He highlighted the lack of scholarships for children from Dalit, Adivasi, and backward communities.

“Modi ji says, ‘Sath hai to safe hai.’ Safe from what? Children from marginalized communities don’t get scholarships. They only deliver speeches, but speeches don’t fill stomachs. Food is needed to fill stomachs,” he remarked.

BJP Accused of Fearmongering

Kharge also criticized the BJP for using the issue of infiltration in Jharkhand to instill fear. “They keep scaring people in the name of infiltrators. But why does this happen when they are in power? They control the central government, and yet infiltrators still enter?” he asked. Kharge reiterated the INDIA bloc’s welfare promises, pledging to raise the monthly benefit under the Maiya Samman Yojana from ₹1,000 to ₹2,500 by December.

“Our mothers will receive ₹2,500 next month. Bring the INDIA alliance to power, and we’ll fulfill these promises,” Kharge assured. He further announced plans to increase the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy from ₹2,400 to ₹3,200 per quintal, provide 7 kg of free ration per person, and supply cooking gas cylinders at ₹450. Additionally, the bloc pledged health insurance coverage of up to ₹15 lakh for every family and initiatives to empower 10 lakh youths in the state.

Elections Heat Up in Jharkhand

As Jharkhand’s Assembly elections progress, voting for 43 of 81 seats has concluded, with the remaining 38 constituencies set to vote on November 20. The INDIA bloc’s promises are seen as a significant push to garner support in the upcoming phases.