Congress President Challenges Government Over NEET Paper Leak Controversy
Congress President's Bold Challenge
Mallikarjun Kharge, the President of Congress, criticized the central government regarding the NEET exam paper leak incident. During the party's election campaign launch at Ramleela Maidan, he urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to engage in a parliamentary debate if they believe they are in the right. Kharge expressed that the repeated leaks have caused distress among students, who face oppressive measures when protesting their demands at Jantar Mantar. With assembly elections scheduled in Uttarakhand next year, he emphasized the urgency of the situation.
Government's Accountability Questioned
Kharge pointed out that it is not the opposition but the government itself that has failed to conduct parliamentary sessions effectively. He boldly stated, "We are not afraid of you, Modi and Shah. Has your 56-inch chest shrunk?" He questioned the government's inability to communicate with students and affirmed that Congress workers are not intimidated by pressure, as they fight for the rights of the poor, women, and students.
Concerns Over Unemployment
Addressing the issue of unemployment, Kharge reminded the audience of the promise made in 2014 to create two crore jobs annually. He questioned how many jobs have actually been provided to the youth, claiming that around 30 lakh government positions remain unfilled. He asserted that discussions about a developed India are futile under such circumstances and assured that Congress has a clear vision and plan for employment and development.
Commitment to Merit-Based Employment
Kharge pledged that if Congress comes to power, they will enhance the system of providing government jobs based on merit. He highlighted the potential of Uttarakhand's youth, mentioning Ravi Tamta, a young inventor from Almora who has developed a flying car. On the topic of corruption, he criticized the BJP for including leaders accused of corruption after previously imprisoning Congress leaders on similar charges.
Historical Context and Current Failures
He sarcastically noted that the BJP has begun to cleanse such leaders through a 'washing machine' process. Kharge reminded the audience of the food security law and MGNREGA established during Congress's tenure, contrasting it with the BJP's lack of concrete plans for the poor and youth. He also referenced former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's government, which had waived off approximately ₹62,000 crores in farmers' loans.
Critique of Current Government
Kharge invoked Mahatma Gandhi's 'Quit India Movement' to assert that the BJP and RSS had no role in the freedom struggle, yet they now lecture Congress on patriotism. He accused the Uttarakhand government of failing on all fronts, even struggling to fill potholes on roads. The senior Congress leader claimed that the public is dissatisfied with the current administration and predicted that Congress would form the next government in the state.
Protests Against Police Actions
Before Kharge's rally, Congress leaders and workers protested outside the SSP office in Haldwani, alleging that buses and vehicles carrying party members were being stopped. During this protest, Ganesh Godiyal, the state unit president, and opposition leader Yashpal Arya joined the workers. Arya accused the police of acting as 'agents of the government' by unnecessarily checking vehicles to prevent Congress members from attending the rally.
Allegations Against Police Conduct
Congress MLA Sumit Hridayesh from Haldwani accused Senior Superintendent of Police Manjunath TC via a Facebook Live session of forcibly stopping vehicles heading to the rally. He also warned of a movement against the police's conduct.