New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge took to X (formerly Twitter) to launch a sharp attack on PM Modi-led Union government, on the occasion of 76th Republic Day. In a strongly-worded message, he accused the ruling dispensation of pursuing a divisive and intolerant agenda, alleging that the government has been eroding constitutional values while promoting religious fundamentalism and suppressing dissent.
Kharge’s statement came shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Republic Day greetings to the nation. The Congress President accused the government of fostering a “vicious, hateful agenda” aimed at dividing Indian society along communal lines. “In the past decade, a vicious, hateful agenda immersed in religious fundamentalism has sought to divide our society. Minorities are being targeted, and those who are secular are being tarnished by the paint of Goebbelsian propaganda,” Kharge wrote.
My dear fellow citizens,
On behalf of the Indian National Congress, I extend my warm Republic Day wishes to each one of you.
This year, we complete 75 years of adopting the conscience keeper and soul of the Indian Republic – the Constitution of India.
Sharing my message… pic.twitter.com/mYPe3y18gQ
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) January 26, 2025
Kharge expresses concerns over treatment of weaker sections
He further expressed concerns over the treatment of weaker sections of society, including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), economically disadvantaged groups, and minorities. “The weaker sections—SCs, STs, OBCs, poor, and minorities—are being treated as second-class citizens,” he added.
In his message, Kharge accused the government of undermining the autonomy of institutions, which he described as the backbone of India’s democracy. He alleged that universities and self-governing institutions are witnessing constant interference, compromising their independence. “This systematic intrusion is aimed at aligning these institutions with the political agenda of the ruling party,” he added.
Kharge also criticised the government’s handling of dissent
Kharge also criticised the government’s handling of dissent, claiming that opposition leaders are being targeted and silenced through witch-hunts. “Strangulating dissent by witch-hunting opposition leaders has become the only policy of those in power,” he stated. He also accused the government of converting a large section of the media into a “propaganda tool”, suppressing alternative narratives.
He also highlighted the erosion of constitutional principles, “Every sacred tenet of the Constitution is being shredded.” He lamented that the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, which form the foundation of the Republic, are being undermined by a regime that he described as “authoritarian and intolerant”.
