New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing attack on the BJP leadership on Sunday, accusing them of attempting to divide society through mosque surveys and disregarding the advice of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat.
Addressing a large gathering of Dalits, minorities, tribals, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) at Ramlila Maidan, Kharge alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is fostering division instead of safeguarding unity and inclusivity.
Kharge criticises surveys conducted at mosques
Kharge criticised recent surveys conducted at mosques, including one in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal, aimed at investigating claims of temples beneath these structures. He questioned whether BJP leaders would extend their actions to iconic monuments like the Red Fort, Taj Mahal, and Char Minar, which were built during Muslim rule. “Why is the BJP disregarding the Places of Worship Act of 1991, which mandates maintaining the character of religious places as they were in 1947?” Kharge asked.
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He referenced RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s 2022 statement that the Ram temple was the Sangh’s primary goal and that there was no need to search for temples beneath every mosque. Kharge accused the BJP of ignoring Bhagwat’s advice and pursuing divisive agendas.
Need for unity among Dalits, minorities, and OBCs
Kharge emphasised the need for unity among Dalits, minorities, and OBCs to protect democracy, the Constitution, and their rights. He urged these communities to stand together, warning that division would make them vulnerable. “Our fight is against the hatred spread by the BJP, and political power is essential to confront this challenge,” he said.
The Congress leader accused Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of turning a blind eye to Bhagwat’s public statements, which he described as “double-faced”. He alleged that while Bhagwat claims the Ram temple construction marks the end of such disputes, BJP leaders continue to fuel societal division.
Kharge also challenged Modi’s claims of unity and safety, arguing that his policies and actions are tearing apart the social fabric.
The event at Ramlila Maidan, organised by a coalition of marginalised groups, was aimed at mobilising support to counteract what Kharge described as a growing threat to democracy and constitutional values. He called upon the attendees to resist attempts to divide society and safeguard their collective future.
