Kharge criticizes Modi government over economic policies
New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a sharp critique of the BJP-led central government on Thursday, accusing it of creating widespread "economic turmoil" that has deeply impacted the lives of ordinary citizens.
In a post on X, Kharge alleged that the Modi government has no solution to the economic challenges it has created, citing seven key indicators to illustrate what he described as a "mess" in the economy.
Highlighting a significant rise in gold loans and non-performing assets (NPAs) by 50% and 30% respectively, Kharge claimed that these are signs of growing financial distress among households. He also noted that private consumption has slowed over the last eight quarters and remains below pre-COVID levels.
Car sales growth, according to Kharge, has plunged to a four-year low, while wage growth in critical sectors like engineering, manufacturing, and infrastructure has stagnated, growing at a meager compound annual rate of 0.8% over the past five years.
He further criticized the government for an average food inflation rate of 7.1% over the last eight quarters, indirect taxation on essential items through GST, and declining household savings, now at their lowest level in 50 years. Increasing household financial liabilities, which have reached 6.4% of GDP, were also highlighted as a pressing concern.
Kharge underscored the rupee's all-time low, which he said has led to foreign fund outflows and losses for small investors, exacerbating financial challenges.
Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly, Kharge remarked, "Narendra Modi ji, your annual 'New Year Resolutions' have been nothing short of JUMLAS, destroying the lives of EVERY CITIZEN!"
Modi Govt has NO solution for the Economic Turmoil it has created!
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) January 2, 2025
7 indicators that illustrate the extent of mess in the lives of ordinary Indians.
1⃣50% increase in Gold Loans and 30% jump in gold loan NPAs.
2⃣Private consumption - the total value of goods and services… pic.twitter.com/zhGxIQo7bJ
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Cong leader Prithviraj Chavan defiant after facing verbal missiles on Op Sindoor remarks
Mumbai (PTI): Despite facing criticism, senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan on Wednesday stood by his controversial comments that India faced a "total defeat" in aerial fight with Pakistan on the first day of Operation Sindoor on May 7.
The former Union minister refused to apologise for his comments on the Indian military operation against terror hubs in Pakistan and PoK in aftermath of massacre of tourists at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir in April.
Talking to reporters in Pune on Tuesday, Chavan claimed India faced a "total defeat in the aerial fight (with Pakistan) on May 7 which lasted for half-an-hour".
"One may believe this or not. After that the Indian Air Force got grounded and not a single aircraft took flight that day.... be it Gwalior, Bhatinda or Sirsa, there was a possibility of aircraft being shot down, so our complete Air Force was grounded," the former Maharashtra chief minister had said.
Hitting out at Chavan, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde accused the Congress of speaking the language of Pakistan. He said questioning the military action was akin to demoralising the morale of armed forces.
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"The criticism does not stem from the love of the nation, but love for Pakistan," said the chief leader of the Shiv Sena, a key constituent of the BJP-led NDA.
Chavan, however, remained defiant.
"There is no question of apologising. The Constitution has given me the right to ask questions," the Congress veteran asserted.
Chavan also questioned the need of having a 12-lakh strong Army when future wars will be about aerial combats and missiles. "During Operation Sindoor we saw that there was no movement of the Army even for a kilometre," he had said.
BJP Lok Sabha MP and spokesperson Sambit Patra said Chavan's remarks are loaded with sedition.
"He (Chavan) has refused to apologise. The Indian armed forces struck 100 kms inside the Pakistan territory and destroyed 11 air strips (of the Pakistani Air Force). He made remarks that the Indian Army did not even move an inch (during the military operation). This is nothing but a statement full of sedition, a statement of a traitor," Patra said, lashing out at the Congress leader.
The BJP spokesperson maintained the Congress appears to be standing with Chavan and alleged the Opposition party is playing into foreign hands.
Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra should apologise for it, he added.
Union minister Giriraj Singh of the BJP insisted it was not right to devalue the valour of Indian armed forces.
Samajwadi Party MP Virendra Singh suggested that wherever armed forces are concerned, every Indian should be mindful of statements they make and ensure their comments do not demoralise the military.
Operation Sindoor was a result of "mistakes of politicians", he claimed.
TDP MP Krishna Devraylu said after the poll defeat in Bihar, the Congress is rattled and their leaders have been talking absurdly.
"Chavan's remarks are a prime example of this. This kind of disrespect to our armed forces is not necessary. If the Congress is angry with the NDA, it should show it in a different way and not drag armed forces into it," Devraylu opined.
AAP MP Ashok Mittal said such statements should not be made by any senior politician, especially by someone who has been a former chief minister.
The Indian armed forces registered a strong victory and destroyed terror launchpads in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, Mittal added.
