Congress of Gandhi versus Congress of Rahul Gandhi: BJP’s Rekha Verma takes swipe over ‘mismanagement’

MANDI: BJP national vice-president Rekha Verma delivered a scathing critique of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge during an organisational meeting held at the party’s Sundernagar office.

Responding to Kharge’s allegations against the BJP, Verma asserted that the Congress, when in power, transforms into a calamity for the public while the BJP fosters prosperity that promotes national development and self-respect.

Underlining the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Verma emphasised the BJP’s commitment to public welfare. She cited Modi’s vision as being inspired by the ideals of Lord Shri Ram, referencing a passage from the Shri Ramcharitmanas that reflects the principles of leadership and economic stewardship “Mani maanik mahange kiye, sahje trina jal naaj, Tulsi soyi jaaniye, Ram gareeb nawaz.”

These lines encapsulate the essence of how a people’s leader should engage with citizens and highlight the expected tax system of a nation.

Verma criticised the Congress for allegedly plundering the public treasury upon assuming power, thus depriving citizens of essential services. She remarked on Kharge’s long political career, acknowledging him as a senior leader and veteran Congress figure who has seen a time when the party boasted of wise leaders such as the late PV Narasimha Rao and Pranab Mukherjee, who guided India during financial crises.

However, she noted that Kharge’s recent statements reveal a troubling truth: that wealth, which should uplift the populace, becomes a source of disaster when controlled by the Congress.

Verma stated, “There was a Congress of Gandhi, and today we have a Congress of Rahul Gandhi.” She expressed concern over the ideological shift within Congress, suggesting that Kharge’s recent remarks reflect an internal struggle.

“Whether the Congress party announces seven guarantees or seventeen, Kharge has already articulated the essence of his message,” she said.

Further criticising the Congress’ track record, Verma claimed that they have consistently failed to fulfil their promises.

She pointed to the economic challenges faced by Karnataka under Congress governance, noting that the state has seen a dramatic decrease in investments, plummeting from Rs 1.63 lakh crore in 2021-22 to just Rs 54 thousand crore today.

In Himachal Pradesh, she recounted how Congress pledged to reduce fuel prices before the assembly elections, only to increase petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 immediately after taking office.

Verma concluded by highlighting the fiscal difficulties faced by the Himachal government, which has reportedly struggled to pay its employees adequately due to financial constraints.