New Delhi : In a major policy shift that could stir controversy within the INDIA alliance, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge declared the issue of Article 370 as a “closed chapter” following its abrogation in Parliament.
Speaking at a press conference, Kharge sharply criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah for suggesting that Congress would work to restore the revoked article, asking, “When did Congress say that?” He accused the BJP of continuously raising the issue to keep it alive for political purposes.
This marks the first time a senior Congress leader, let alone the party president, has made such a clear statement on the matter, ending the party’s previous ambiguity regarding Article 370.
Kharge also lashed out at the BJP for shifting industries to Gujarat, which he claimed was causing significant economic losses and growing unemployment in Maharashtra. He questioned the BJP’s “double-engine government” narrative, pointing out that Maharashtra contributes substantially to the national economy yet faces discrimination from the central government.
On issues of law and order, Kharge noted that public safety had worsened under BJP rule, citing incidents such as the delayed registration of a rape case in Badlapur. He also decried the alleged corruption in projects like the Pune Ring Road, which saw its cost balloon from Rs 16,618 crore to Rs 42,170 crore.
Kharge further highlighted the rising cost of living, particularly the 11% inflation over the past 14 months, and accused the central and state BJP governments of undermining reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs by closing down public sector units and halting government recruitment. He also criticized the “lateral entry” system for allegedly enabling the induction of RSS-affiliated individuals into top administrative positions.
In a pointed remark aimed at Prime Minister Modi’s “Congress Mukt Bharat” rhetoric, Kharge noted that while the BJP aimed for 400-plus seats, it had now become reliant on “two crutches.” He also responded to Modi’s accusations against Congress, reminding him of the party’s sacrifices for the nation and criticizing the glorification of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassin, Nathuram Godse, by some BJP supporters. Additionally, Kharge drew attention to the government’s failure to address the 2.5 lakh vacant positions, exacerbating the state’s unemployment crisis.KNS
