Maharashtra poll: Mallikarjun Kharge hits out at BJP over ‘divisive slogans’

Taking a jibe at the BJP, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday said the saffron party should decide between the two slogans given by its leaders — “ek hain to safe hain” by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and “batenge to katenge” by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Addressing a press conference in Nagpur ahead of the Assembly poll in Maharashtra, scheduled to be held on November 20, Kharge said BJP leaders were indulging in provocative speeches. He said those who wanted the country to remain united would never make such divisive remarks.

“First you (the BJP) decide which slogan should be followed — Yogi ji’s or Modi ji’s. BJP leaders are giving inciting speeches and diverting people’s attention from core issues. Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi laid down their lives for the country. Can the BJP name a single leader from the party who sacrificed his live? Those who want the country to remain united will never make such divisive remarks,” he said.

During his campaign in Maharashtra, the Prime Minister had coined a new slogan — “ek hain to safe hain” (we are safe only if we remain united). He also slammed the BJP for referring to Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi as a supporter of “urban Naxals” for displaying a copy of the Constitution with a red cover. “Is it a crime to flaunt a copy of the Constitution with a red cover,” he asked.

Kharge showed a picture of Modi giving a similar copy to former President Ram Nath Kovind. He accused PM Modi of telling lies. “Was it not a lie when he said he would bring back black money stashed abroad? He also lied about providing jobs and doubling farmers’ income,” Kharge said.

Referring to the BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra, Kharge alleged that its foundations were laid on fraud. “The BJP bribed MLAs and stole a popular mandate. An opportunistic alliance is ruling in Maharashtra with the worst type of governance,” he said.