You are a politician, not a pujari: Mallikarjun Kharge targets Amit Shah

Addressing a rally in Panipat, Haryana, where the Bharat Jodo Yatra has reached, Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP government of not fulfilling their promise of creating jobs.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi during Bharat Jodo Yatra in Panipat on Friday. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

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A day after Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the Ram Temple in Ayodhya will be ready by January 1 next year, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday hit out at him, questioning his credentials for making such an announcement. He said Shah’s job was to ensure security of the country but he was instead talking about the temple.

Addressing a rally in Panipat, Haryana, where the Bharat Jodo Yatra has reached, Kharge accused the BJP government of not fulfilling their promise of creating jobs. “Now, what are they doing? There are elections in Tripura. (Amit) Shah goes there and says Ram Temple is being constructed and its inauguration is on (January) 1st. ….Everybody has faith in God… but why are you announcing it… that too during elections?” Kharge said.

“Who are you to say that? Are you the pujari of Ram Temple. Are you the Mahant of Ram Temple? Let the Mahants, sadhu and sant talk about it. Who are you? You are a politician. Your job is to keep the country secure, maintain law and order, ensure food for people and provide farmers with adequate prices,” he said. Addressing party workers as “pyaare karyakarta” and “Babbar Sher aur Sherniyan” in context of Panipat’s history that has seen three decisive battles in the past, Rahul Gandhi took a dig at the BJP over Agniveer recruitment scheme.

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“BJP calls me ‘anti-Army’ but I have walked over 3,000 km and all those who aspired to join the Army are meeting me. They tell me their future has been ruined. Haryana gives 10% to Army and the youth know what it means.

For farmers, the three farm laws sounded the death knell. All farmers got together and stood against it. What did Narendra Modi say? Mujhse galti ho gayi (I made a mistake). It took him one year to realise his mistake,” Rahul said.

“Army used to promise three things to new recruits. First, we shall give you the best training and never send you at the border without training; second, we shall give you 15 years of service and if you get even slightest of injury, we shall take care of you; and third, you have given your entire life for this nation, we shall give you pension. But Agniveer has broken all these promises,” he said.

Taking note of Haryana topping the CMIE unemployment data, he said: “In the 21st century, Haryana has become the champion in unemployment. You have left everyone behind.”

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A man, who identified himself as a resident of Rohtak, entered the media gallery and removed his shirt expressing solidarity with Rahul. He was also acknowledged by Rahul, who said “they question my t-shirt, there is this man who has even removed his shirt”.

Also read | How to tackle poll loss? Kharge takes a tip from Sonia, sets up panel to probe Gujarat

Kharge said the government had promised to double the income of farmers but it has not happened. “They talked about increasing the MSP. Did that happen? No. So, they keep talking about all these things and then say it was all an election-time jumla. If it was a jumla, then they should have said it while seeking votes… after getting votes… the promise of (giving) Rs 15 lakh (to people), (creation of) 2 crore jobs, everything has become a jumla,” he added.

“So, I will say ‘mukh me ram bagal me churi’. They are roaming around with a dagger, dividing society, pitting castes and religions against each other and deepening the chasm,” he said.

Kharge said Rahul Yatra was aimed at bridging that divide. “It is not for votes. This is in the national interest… in the interest of farmers, youth, women, Dalits…,” he said.

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Addressing a rally in Sabroom in Tripura, where Assembly elections are due in March, Shah on Thursday had criticised the Congress and Rahul over the temple issue and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for expediting its construction

Manoj C.G

Manoj C G currently serves as the Chief of National Political Bureau at The Indian Express. A veteran journalist with a career spanning nearly two decades, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the publication's coverage of India's political landscape. Experience & Career: Manoj has built a robust career in political journalism, marked by a transition from wire service reporting to in-depth newspaper analysis. The Indian Express (2008 – Present): He joined the organization in 2008 and has risen to lead the National Political Bureau, overseeing key political coverage. Press Trust of India (PTI): Prior to his tenure at The Indian Express, Manoj worked with India’s premier news agency, PTI, honing his skills in breaking news and accurate reporting. Expertise & Focus Areas: As a seasoned political observer, Manoj focuses on the nuances of governance and party dynamics. National Politics: extensive reporting on the central government, parliamentary affairs, and national elections. Political Strategy: Deep analysis of party structures, coalition politics, and the shifting ideologies within the Indian political spectrum. Bureau Leadership: directing a team of reporters to cover the most critical developments in the nation's capital. Authoritativeness & Trust: Manoj’s authoritativeness is grounded in his nearly 20 years of field experience and his leadership role at a legacy newspaper. His long-standing association with The Indian Express underscores a reputation for consistency, editorial integrity, and rigorous reporting standards required of a Bureau Chief. Find all stories by Manoj C G here. ... Read More