In a spirited exchange between political parties, the Congress party has posed a series of nine questions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding his nine years in office. However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swiftly dismissed these questions as a “bundle of lies and mountain of deception.” BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, during a press briefing, accused the Congress of harboring “hatred towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” suggesting a political agenda behind their queries.
The nine questions put forth by the Congress cover a range of critical issues, including rising prices, unemployment, farmers’ income, and perceived betrayal during Modi’s tenure. Rahul Gandhi, senior leader of the Congress party, posted the questions under the banner of ‘9 saal, 9 sawaal’ (9 years, 9 questions) on social media, expressing his dissatisfaction with the BJP’s governance and alleging that false promises and public suffering have characterized their nine-year rule.
The first question raised by the Congress focuses on the concerning rise in inflation and unemployment in India. They question the widening economic disparities, wherein the rich have seemingly become richer while the poor face increased hardships. Additionally, the Congress accuses the government of selling public property to Prime Minister Modi’s associates, further exacerbating economic inequalities.
Congress poses nine questions to Prime Minister Modi, BJP dismisses them as lies
On the issue of farmers, the Congress demands an explanation as to why the agreements made with farmers during the repeal of the three controversial farm laws have not been honored. They also question the lack of legal guarantee for minimum support prices, as promised by the Modi government. Furthermore, the Congress challenges the government to address the failure to double farmers’ income, a pledge made by the ruling party during their nine-year tenure.
Allegations of corruption and cronyism form the basis of the third question posed by the Congress. They question why the Prime Minister is endangering the hard-earned savings of the public, particularly in Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) and State Bank of India (SBI), to benefit his alleged “friend,” Adani.
The Congress then turns its attention to issues of national security, questioning the government’s handling of the border dispute with China. Despite the clean chit given by the Prime Minister in 2020, the Congress highlights the continued occupation of Indian territory by China and demands an explanation for this perceived failure.
The Congress further accuses the ruling party of engaging in divisive politics for electoral gains, fostering an atmosphere of fear and hatred in society. They argue that the government is silent on atrocities against women, Dalits, Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and minorities. The Congress also questions the government’s reluctance to conduct a caste census, which has been a long-standing demand.
The alleged misuse of democratic institutions for political vendetta and revenge becomes the focus of the seventh question posed by the Congress. They accuse the ruling party of weakening welfare schemes for the poor, needy, and tribal communities by reducing their budgets and imposing restrictive rules.
The eighth question pertains to the alleged failure of the government to compensate families who lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Congress criticizes the sudden imposition of a nationwide lockdown, which resulted in the distressing migration of workers without adequate support from the government.
As the BJP gears up to celebrate nine years of the Modi government’s leadership at the center, the Congress’s social media head, Supriya Shrinate, taunted the ruling party, suggesting they should celebrate a “Mahotsav” (grand festival) of their failures. Shrinate highlighted the high levels of unemployment, the government’s inability to address the issue effectively, and the alleged escape of fugitive businessmen who defraudedthe government of significant sums of money.
In response to the Congress’s questions and criticisms, the BJP has staunchly defended the achievements and policies of the Modi government. The political discourse between the two parties underscores the contrasting perspectives on governance and the varying interpretations of the government’s performance over the past nine years.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swiftly dismissed these questions as a “bundle of lies and mountain of deception.” BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, during a press briefing, accused the Congress of harboring “hatred towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” suggesting a political agenda behind their queries.
The Congress’s ‘9 saal, 9 sawaal’ (9 years, 9 questions) initiative seeks to address critical concerns raised by former party chief Rahul Gandhi during the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Rahul Gandhi has been vocal in his criticism of the BJP government and has accused them of making false promises and neglecting the needs of the public.
The exchange of questions and counter-accusations reflects the intensity and polarization in Indian politics, with both parties aiming to sway public opinion ahead of upcoming elections. It remains to be seen how these issues will shape the political landscape and influence the choices made by voters in the future.