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Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge used a public rally in Karnataka on Sunday to mount a sweeping critique of the BJP-led central government, tying together complaints on the economy, education and alleged corruption linked to the Ram temple project. The remarks, delivered as BK Hariprasad took over as state party chief, framed several current controversies as evidence of wider policy failures with immediate consequences for ordinary voters.
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Speaking at a large party event, Kharge accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of steering India in the wrong direction and said U.S. leader Donald Trump’s policies were contributing to global instability. He argued these factors were harming households through rising prices and uncertainty, and urged party workers to make those links clear to voters.
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Kharge urged grassroots workers to intensify outreach, saying Congress must explain to citizens which administration would better protect their interests. “Go to the people and explain what is happening,” he said, according to news agency reports.
Allegations over Ram Temple funds
One of Kharge’s sharpest criticisms targeted the handling of donations for the Ayodhya Ram temple. He renewed allegations that large sums collected over decades have not been properly accounted for and called for an inquiry into where the money went.
Kharge referenced past donation drives, including those linked to political campaigns, and claimed reports indicate substantial financial irregularities. He pressed Uttar Pradesh authorities to explain why an immediate investigation could not proceed, asking why a delay was needed if those accused enjoyed official protection.
- Financial probe: Kharge demanded transparency on temple donations and accountability for alleged misuse.
- Political use of religion: He accused the BJP of exploiting faith for electoral advantage while failing to protect the poor.
- Immediate action: He challenged state leaders to act quickly rather than defer inquiries.
Education: NEET, resignations and alternative models
Kharge criticised the Centre’s handling of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), echoing calls from other opposition leaders for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He described students and parents as let down by administrative lapses and suggested looking at Karnataka’s Common Entrance Test (CET) model as a possible alternative.
He also proposed that Class 12 or PUC marks be weighed alongside entrance test scores to reduce single-exam pressure and improve fairness in admissions.
Economy, employment and ideological influence
The Congress chief linked high inflation and persistent unemployment to what he described as a concentration of wealth and power under the current government. He warned that policies favouring a narrow elite were leaving workers, women and students vulnerable.
Kharge further warned against changes to school and university curricula that he said risked introducing ideological bias. He alleged that appointments of individuals with links to certain organisations were reshaping educational governance.
Constitutional values and the party line
Closing his remarks, Kharge reaffirmed the Congress’s commitment to constitutional protections. He argued the Constitution remains essential for safeguarding the rights of disadvantaged and marginalised communities.
The address is likely to shape the party’s messaging in upcoming state-level contests as Congress seeks to translate these grievances into political momentum.
