Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge slams BJP-led Centre for inflation, unemployment

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge was addressing a rally in Panipat (Haryana) as part of the Congress's Bharat Jodo Yatra.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge slammed the Centre on January 6 over a host of issues, including inflation and unemployment and accused it of making tall promises during election time and going back on those words after coming to power.

Addressing a rally in Panipat (Haryana) as part of the Congress's Bharat Jodo Yatra, Mr. Kharge said there is rising inflation and unemployment in the country but the government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), does not seem to be bothered.

Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, senior party leaders Kumari Selja, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, K. C. Venugopal, Shaktisinh Gohil, Kiran Choudhary and D. K. Shivakumar were among those present at the rally.

Mr. Kharge said Mr. Gandhi has led the Bharat Jodo Yatra for more than 3,000 km so far. The foot march reached Haryana from Uttar Pradesh on Thursday evening. The Congress chief said essential items of use have gone out of the common man's reach because of the rising inflation.

"In 45 years, unemployment was never so high. Educated youngsters, including those with degrees in engineering and medicine are without jobs, but (Prime Minister Narendra) Modiji and (Union Home Minister) Amit Shahji are not worried about them. They have no concern for youngsters, the economic condition or inflation. Only elections are on their mind," Mr. Kharge said while accusing the BJP of misusing Central agencies to target the Opposition.

He said the Congress came to power in several States under Mr. Gandhi's leadership, but the saffron party allegedly used tactics to bring down those democratically-elected governments. "Then they say they believe in democracy," the Congress chief said.