Addressing a massive convention in Mysuru on Saturday, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, targeting rising economic disparity, alleged constitutional threats, and Centre-state fund disputes.
Speaking alongside Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM D K Shivakumar, and state ministers, Kharge accused the BJP-led Centre of withholding Karnataka’s rightful share of tax revenue. “Give us our money—it belongs to the people of Karnataka, not you,” Kharge said, pressing the Centre to release GST and tax funds collected from the state.
Refuting allegations that the Karnataka government is “bankrupt,” Kharge pointed out that each MLA was allotted ₹50 crore for developmental work. “If we were bankrupt, how could we afford this?” he questioned.
Citing Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s own admission that poverty is rising and wealth is concentrating in a few hands, Kharge called out contradictions in the government’s narrative. “Who should we believe—Modi or Gadkari?” he asked, criticizing PM Modi’s claims that India ranks high in economic equality.
Kharge further alleged that the BJP and RSS are making attempts to alter or rewrite the Constitution. “Modi became PM because of the Constitution he now seeks to undermine,” he said, warning that citizens will not tolerate any such move.
He also questioned Modi’s lack of response to the crisis in Manipur. “Rahul Gandhi has gone there twice. Why hasn’t the Prime Minister visited? Is he afraid?” Kharge asked, accusing Modi of ignoring domestic crises while travelling abroad.