Even as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) celebrates Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nine years in office, the opposition Congress party has come forward with a series of nine questions, highlighting alleged failures of the Modi government in several crucial sectors. Led by Tripura Pradesh Congress president Birajit Sinha, the party voiced its concerns during a press conference held at the Pradesh Congress headquarters in Agartala.
The Economy: Congress raised concerns about the skyrocketing inflation and unemployment rates in India. They questioned the widening economic disparities between the rich and the poor, as well as the alleged selling of public property to individuals close to Prime Minister Modi.
Agriculture and Farmers: The party expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to honor agreements made with farmers during the repeal of the contentious three farm laws. They demanded an explanation for the lack of legal guarantees for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the failure to double farmers’ income over the past nine years.
Corruption and Cronyism: Congress accused the government of putting people’s hard-earned savings in institutions such as LIC and SBI at risk to benefit industrialist Gautam Adani. They questioned the government’s inaction against corrupt individuals and its silence regarding rampant corruption in BJP-ruled states.
China and National Security: Congress highlighted the issue of continued Chinese occupation of Indian territory despite the government’s previous exoneration of China in 2020. They questioned why China refused to yield Indian territory despite 18 meetings, and criticized the government for what they viewed as inadequate measures to counter China’s aggressive tactics.
Social Harmony: The opposition raised concerns about the alleged deliberate use of politics of hatred for electoral gains, which they believe has fueled an atmosphere of fear and division in society.
Social Justice: Congress accused the government of systematically eroding the foundations of social justice. They criticized the government for remaining silent on atrocities against women, Dalits, Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and minorities. The party also questioned the government’s reluctance to conduct a caste census.
Democracy and Federalism: The opposition accused the government of weakening constitutional values and democratic institutions over the past nine years. They raised concerns about the alleged politics of revenge against opposition parties and leaders, as well as the use of financial power to destabilize democratically elected governments.
Welfare Schemes: Congress questioned the government’s decision to weaken welfare schemes for the poor, needy, and tribals by reducing their budgets and imposing restrictive rules.
COVID-19 Mismanagement: The opposition criticized the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly its refusal to compensate the families of over 40 lakh people who lost their lives. They questioned the sudden imposition of the lockdown, which forced millions of workers to return home without adequate support.
Congress leader Birajit Sinha emphasized that the Modi government has been a complete failure, not only at the national level but also in the state. He urged Prime Minister Modi to address these nine critical questions before the BJP proceeds with its celebrations. The press conference was attended by senior Congress leader and former MLA Asish Kumar Saha, among others.
The BJP government has yet to respond to the specific concerns and questions raised by the opposition Congress party. As the political discourse unfolds, the nation eagerly awaits the government’s response and subsequent developments.
