Kharge Blasts Modi Government on 11th Anniversary, Alleges Damage to Democracy, Economy, and Social Harmony

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, accusing it of causing severe harm to India’s democracy, economy, and social cohesion.

Kharge alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), have systematically undermined constitutional institutions and eroded the federal structure of governance.

“In the past 11 years, the Modi government has delivered a deep blow to Indian democracy, the economy, and our social fabric. The BJP-RSS combine has weakened every constitutional institution and compromised their independence. From subverting public mandates and toppling elected governments to imposing a one-party rule, they have damaged the spirit of democracy. The rights of states have been consistently ignored, and federalism has taken a back seat,” Kharge said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The comments came as the BJP marked 11 years at the helm of the central government. Prime Minister Modi, highlighting the government’s achievements, emphasized its focus on inclusive and people-centric development. “From economic growth to social upliftment, our emphasis has been on holistic progress. Today, India stands as the fastest-growing major economy and a leading voice globally on issues like climate action and digital innovation,” Modi said.

Echoing the Prime Minister’s optimism, Union Home Minister Amit Shah described the past 11 years as a “golden period” of governance. “Under Modi 3.0, New India is rapidly moving towards development and self-reliance through reform, performance, and transformation. This journey to make India number one in every field will continue,” Shah stated.

However, Kharge pushed back against the celebratory tone, alleging an atmosphere of growing hate and fear in the country. Citing the prolonged violence in Manipur, he said, “Efforts are being made to foster hatred, intimidation, and fear in society. The exploitation of Dalits, tribals, backward classes, minorities, and the poor has increased. There is an ongoing attempt to rob these communities of their reservation and constitutional rights.”

On the economic front, Kharge criticised the government’s performance, claiming it had derailed the country’s growth. “The BJP-RSS has reduced the economy to a sluggish 5–6% GDP growth rate, compared to the 8% average under the UPA. Instead of fulfilling its promise of creating 2 crore jobs annually, this government has taken away employment from crores of youth. Inflation has eroded savings to their lowest level in 50 years, while economic inequality is now the highest in a century,” he alleged.

Kharge also took a dig at key government initiatives. “Make in India, Startup India, Stand-Up India, Digital India, Namami Gange, and the 100 Smart Cities mission have all fallen short. The railways are in a dismal state. This government is merely cutting ribbons on infrastructure projects built during the Congress-UPA era,” he added.