New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge declared the recent Lok Sabha election results a significant mandate against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, framing it as both a political and moral defeat for him.
At a press conference at the AICC headquarters, flanked by Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, Kharge hailed the results as a triumph for democracy and the people. He emphasized that the BJP-led NDA was leading in over 290 seats, while the opposition INDIA bloc was ahead in 232 parliamentary seats.
“This victory belongs to the people and to democracy. This election was a contest between the people and Modi. We humbly accept the people’s mandate,” Kharge stated. He noted that no single party, including the BJP, received a clear majority, highlighting the BJP’s failure to secure votes based solely on Modi’s image.
Kharge underscored the impact of Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra and Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, which connected with millions and bolstered the election campaign. Despite facing adverse conditions, including accusations of the BJP-led government manipulating constitutional institutions to hinder the opposition, the Congress ran a positive campaign focusing on inflation, unemployment, and the distress of farmers and workers.
“Our bank accounts were seized, and a campaign targeted our leaders. Yet, we stayed focused on critical issues,” Kharge said, criticizing Modi for spreading misinformation about the Congress manifesto. He accused the BJP of arrogance, leading to the misuse of constitutional institutions to suppress political opposition.
Kharge warned that those who resisted BJP’s pressure faced disarray and imprisonment, while those who succumbed were co-opted. He suggested that if Modi were given another term, it would further endanger the Constitution and democracy, with upcoming parliamentary sessions expected to reveal more evidence.
Expressing gratitude to the INDIA bloc partners for their solidarity and joint campaigning efforts, Kharge called for continued vigilance to protect citizens’ rights, the Constitution, and democracy. He urged that the upcoming Parliament sessions prioritize opposition-raised issues for discussion.
“In the days ahead, we must work to safeguard the country’s progress, secure our borders, and ensure the smooth functioning of Parliament,” Kharge concluded.
