Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP during his Independence Day remarks, accusing the ruling party of taking excessive credit for the country’s achievements and downplaying the contributions of previous generations.
Speaking at the Congress headquarters on India’s 80th Independence Day, Kharge referred to Modi’s address from the Red Fort and questioned the suggestion that the current government alone was responsible for India’s progress. He argued that the country’s development was the result of contributions made by several governments, institutions and generations of Indians.
Kharge particularly highlighted the role of leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru in India’s freedom struggle and nation-building. He said Nehru made significant contributions to the country without displaying the kind of political arrogance that, according to him, characterises the present leadership.
The Congress chief also accused the BJP-led government of weakening parliamentary accountability and failing to adequately protect fundamental rights. He alleged that opposition voices were being sidelined and that divisive politics was affecting the country’s democratic environment.
Kharge’s comments came shortly after Modi delivered his 13th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort. In his speech, the Prime Minister focused on India’s development ambitions, self-reliance and the goal of making the country a developed nation by 2047. He also outlined his “Sapta Dhara” vision covering strategic areas including critical minerals, energy, technology and manufacturing.
Modi also highlighted the government’s efforts against armed Naxalism and warned about what he described as “dimagi naxals”, while stressing national unity and security.
Kharge’s criticism adds another layer to the political debate surrounding the Independence Day speeches. While the Prime Minister used the occasion to present his government’s achievements and future priorities, the Congress leadership sought to emphasise the contribution of earlier governments and institutions to India’s development.
The exchange reflects the continuing political contest between the BJP and Congress over India’s history, development record and vision for the future. With the country marking 80 years of independence, both parties are using the occasion to present contrasting narratives about the past eight decades and the direction India should take in the years ahead.
Kharge’s remarks are part of a wider Congress response to Modi’s Independence Day speech, with party leaders challenging several of the Prime Minister’s claims while reiterating the opposition party’s role in India’s freedom struggle and institution-building.
