Daijiworld Media Network - Ranchi
Ranchi, May 6: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing attack on the Centre over the recent terrorist strike in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, accusing the government of a grave intelligence and security failure.
Speaking at the ‘Samvidhan Bachao Rally’ in Ranchi, Kharge said the government had itself acknowledged lapses in intelligence during an all-party briefing, yet failed to take adequate precautions despite having prior warning. “They cancelled their own visit, but tourists were left exposed without proper security arrangements,” he alleged, referring to the absence of adequate police and paramilitary deployment in the area.
While reaffirming the Congress’ support for any decisive action against terrorism, including measures against Pakistan, Kharge said, “The nation comes before religion and caste — we will back any tough stance against terror.”
Kharge also took the opportunity to underline Congress’ influence in pushing for a caste-based census, crediting Rahul Gandhi for raising the issue nationwide. “The BJP resisted at first, accusing us of sowing division, but today they’ve included the caste column in the census due to our pressure,” he claimed.
Outlining Congress’ demands, Kharge said a letter had been sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposing three key actions: building political consensus on the caste census model, implementing reservation for marginalised communities in private institutions under Article 15(5), and scrapping the 50% cap on reservations.
Shifting focus to alleged misuse of federal investigative agencies, Kharge denounced the Enforcement Directorate’s case against Sonia Gandhi in the National Herald matter. “Of over 200 ED cases, only 2% have led to convictions. This is clearly targeted action,” he said.
He accused the BJP-RSS leadership of having no legacy in the freedom struggle and yet preaching nationalism. “They never went to jail, made no sacrifices, but now lecture us on patriotism,” he said.
Kharge also condemned what he called the systematic silencing of dissent and suppression of media freedom. “Those who speak the truth are jailed. Hemant Soren was wrongly imprisoned just because they couldn’t accept a tribal holding power,” he said.
He alleged that the BJP government is attempting to erode constitutional safeguards. “Ambedkar gave us rights. If we don’t defend this Constitution, the poor and oppressed will be crushed,” he warned.
The rally marked the launch of the Congress’ 45-day nationwide ‘Save Constitution’ campaign, with plans for events in every state, district, and block. Kharge called on party workers to mobilize across the country to “protect democracy and the rights of the marginalised.”
Other key speakers at the rally included former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Jharkhand Congress in-charge K. Raju, and state party chief Keshav Mahato Kamlesh.