Results a moral, political defeat for Modi: Kharge

Besides Kharge, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, former party chief and Rajya Sabha member Sonia Gandhi, general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and General Secretary in-charge Communications Jairam Ramesh were also present at the press conference.

“The results that have come today are a win for democracy and for the people of India. This time, people have not given absolute majority to any one party. The strategy of the BJP to seek votes based only on one person has failed and people’s mandate has gone against Modiji. This is his political and moral defeat…he has lost a lot on moral grounds,” Kharge said.

Targeting the BJP over “capturing constitutional bodies”, Kharge said, “The BJP made attempts to slowly capture constitutional bodies in an illegal manner. They used this against Opposition parties, and tried to pressurize leaders, and those who didn’t bow down, they split their party and sent them to jail. People believed that if Modiji got another chance, the next attack will be on Constitution and democracy.”

Holding a copy of the Constitution,  Rahul Gandhi said, “This election was not just fought by the INDIA bloc and Congress against a political party. We fought this election against a political party, to save the Indian institutions, the country’s governance structure, intelligence agencies, CBI, ED, half the judiciary…The fight was to save the Constitution.”

“When our bank accounts were cancelled and when the CMs were arrested, parties were broken. In my mind, I had that the Indian people will unitedly fight for the Constitution. This got proven today. I thank the people of the country, our INDIA partners, Congress workers and leaders. You have taken the first and biggest step to save the Constitution,” said Rahul Gandhi.

Talking about what worked for the Congress this election, Rahul Gandhi said, “We respected our alliance partners. …Wherever the alliance fought, we fought like one. The Congress has given a clear vision to the country which is pro-poor, and pro-production. The INDIA bloc has given this. Behind this performance of ours and INDIA bloc is the resolve to protect the Constitution and prevent the repeated attacks on reservation and poverty.”

Taking a dig at business tycoon Gautam Adani, Rahul Gandhi said, “Did you see Adani ji’s stock? It is very interesting… When Modiji loses, the stock market also gets affected as Adaniji’s stocks take a hit, indicating there is a direct relationshio between them… The country unanimously and clearly stated it does not like the way Narendra Modi and Amit Shah have run this country or the way they have attacked the Constitution.”

Alleging adverse conditions during the polls for the INDIA bloc, the Congress chief said, “You know that the Congress and INDIA bloc fought the elections under adverse conditions. From seizing of bank accounts to campaigns against several leaders, the government created hurdles at every step.”

“Despite this, the Congress campaign from the beginning was positive. We discussed key issues such inflation, unemployment, farmers and worker (issues), and democratic institutions being misused by central agencies…People connected with us on these issues. The way Modiji spread lies about the manifesto of the Congress, people caught the real vein,” said Gandhi.

Talking of Rahul Gandhi’s yatras, Kharge said, “Rahul Gandhi’s two yatras saw meetings with lakhs and crores of people. People’ s problems were heard and solutions were found and that was the basis of our election campaign. It became our five nyay and guarantees.”

Kharge thanked the three members of the Gandhi family and also extended his gratitude to INDIA bloc leaders and party workers. “Our fight has not reached a conclusion. We need to continue the fight,” he said.