Congress Raises Nine Questions, Demands Accountability from Modi Government

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nine-year tenure approaches, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) plans to celebrate its achievements with great fanfare. However, the opposition Indian National Congress has seized the opportunity to raise concerns and question the Modi government’s performance in various critical sectors. Led by Tripura Pradesh Congress president Brijit Sinha, the party has highlighted nine areas of alleged failure, ranging from the economy to national security, social harmony, and more. In a press conference held in Agartala, Sinha presented these questions and demanded accountability from the ruling BJP. The Congress has urged Prime Minister Modi to address these concerns before indulging in celebratory festivities.

1. The Economy: Soaring Inflation, Unemployment, and Widening Economic Disparities The Congress raises concerns about the escalating inflation and unemployment rates in India. It questions the growing gap between the rich and the poor and accuses the government of selling public assets to benefit close associates of Prime Minister Modi. These actions, according to the Congress, are exacerbating economic disparities.
2. Agriculture and Farmers: Unfulfilled Promises and Uncertain Future Congress questions the government’s failure to honor agreements made with farmers during the repeal of the controversial three farm laws. It also criticizes the lack of legally guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the failure to double farmers’ income over the past nine years.
3. Corruption and Cronyism: Risks to People’s Savings and Rampant Corruption The Congress accuses the government of jeopardizing the hard-earned savings of the people by favoring business tycoon Gautam Adani. It further alleges that the ruling party is turning a blind eye to widespread corruption in BJP-ruled states, causing suffering to the Indian population.
4. China and National Security: Persistent Border Disputes and Aggressive Tactics The Congress questions the government’s handling of the border dispute with China. Despite numerous meetings and the granting of a clean chit to China in 2020, the party questions why Chinese forces continue to occupy Indian territory and employ aggressive tactics.
5. Social Harmony: Politics of Hatred and Fear-Mongering Congress accuses the government of deliberately using the politics of hatred for electoral gains, creating an atmosphere of fear in society. It raises concerns about the divisive tactics employed by the ruling party.
6. Social Justice: Atrocities and Ignored Demands for Caste Census The Congress claims that the government’s policies are systematically undermining the foundations of social justice. It criticizes the ruling party’s silence on atrocities against women, Dalits, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and minorities. The Congress also questions the government’s inaction on the demand for a caste census.
7. Democracy and Federalism: Weakening Constitutional Values and Opposition Suppression The Congress accuses the government of undermining constitutional values and democratic institutions during its nine-year tenure. It alleges that the ruling party engages in vindictive politics against opposition parties and leaders. Additionally, the Congress highlights the use of financial power to destabilize democratically elected governments.
8. Welfare Schemes: Budget Cuts and Restrictive Rules Affecting the Needy Congress raises concerns about the weakening of welfare schemes aimed at benefiting the poor, marginalized, and tribal communities. It questions the government’s decision to reduce their budgets and impose restrictive rules, which may hinder the intended beneficiaries from availing these schemes.
9. COVID-19 Mismanagement: Lack of Compensation and Support The Congress criticizes the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It questions why the Modi government has refused to compensate the families of over 4 million people who lost their lives due to the virus. The party also raises concerns about the sudden imposition of a nationwide lockdown, which led to the mass exodus of workers without providing adequate support.

The Indian National Congress, led by Brijit Sinha, has presented nine critical questions to the Modi government as it prepares to celebrate its nine years in office. These questions span a wide range of important sectors, highlighting alleged failures in the economy, agriculture, national security, social harmony, social justice, democracy, welfare schemes, and COVID-19 management. The Congress demands that Prime Minister Modi addresses these concerns and be held accountable before indulging in celebratory activities. As the political landscape intensifies, it remains to be seen how the ruling BJP will respond to these charges, and whether they will provide satisfactory answers to the questions raised by the opposition Congress.