New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi-led government on Monday, marking 11 years of BJP rule with sharp criticism over its governance record. He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), of systematically weakening India’s democratic institutions and dismantling the federal framework.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Kharge claimed the BJP’s decade-plus tenure at the Centre has inflicted “a deep blow” to India’s democratic ethos, economic performance, and social harmony. “In the last 11 years, the Modi government has weakened every Constitutional institution and undermined their autonomy,” he wrote. He also alleged that the ruling party has resorted to undemocratic means such as toppling opposition-led state governments and pushing the country towards “a one-party dictatorship.”
While the BJP celebrated its 11th year in power by highlighting its governance achievements, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the administration’s “people-centric and inclusive” approach. “India has emerged as not only the fastest-growing major economy, but also a significant voice on global issues such as climate change and digital innovation,” Modi said.
Echoing the Prime Minister’s sentiments, Union Home Minister Amit Shah described the last 11 years as a “golden era of public service.” He hailed the government’s commitment to reform, promising that “Modi 3.0” would continue propelling the country toward development and self-reliance.
In contrast, Kharge offered a grim counter-narrative. He accused the government of fostering an environment of hatred and fear, pointing to the protracted violence in Manipur as symptomatic of deeper social unrest. “Exploitation of Dalits, Adivasis, backward communities, minorities, and marginalized groups has increased significantly,” Kharge said. He further alleged a systematic attempt to dismantle affirmative action and equal rights protections.
Turning to the economy, the Congress president criticised the Modi government’s handling of growth and employment. He argued that GDP growth has slowed under BJP rule, stagnating at 5-6% compared to the UPA’s average of 8%. “Instead of creating 2 crore jobs annually as promised, crores of youth have lost employment. Public savings have plunged to a 50-year low, while economic inequality has reached a century-high,” he claimed.
Kharge also derided flagship initiatives such as Make in India, Startup India, and Smart Cities as failures. He contended that the government has done little beyond rebranding Congress-era infrastructure projects. “Railways are in disrepair, and all the grand schemes have amounted to nothing more than ribbon-cutting ceremonies for UPA-built assets,” he said.
As the political discourse intensifies ahead of key electoral battles, the Congress continues to position itself as a defender of constitutional values, economic justice, and social equity—while the BJP presses forward with its narrative of transformative governance and global leadership.
