Ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge took aim at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing the ruling party of divisive rhetoric and failing to fulfill promises. Speaking at a press conference in Nagpur on Saturday, Kharge asserted, ?It is the BJP that engages in ?baatna and kaatna? (divide and rule),? referring to recent slogans promoted by BJP leaders like Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and their call for national unity under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Kharge highlighted a contradiction in BJP?s messaging, contrasting Yogi?s divisive slogans with Modi's recent "Ek hai toh safe hai" (Unity brings safety) message, a theme the Prime Minister has emphasized in his recent speeches. Kharge questioned the sincerity of these statements, urging BJP leaders to clarify their stance on unity and divisiveness.

"BJP?s approach is to give provocative speeches, mislead the public, and distract from critical issues like unemployment, the agrarian crisis, and women?s safety," Kharge stated. He went on to criticize the Prime Minister, accusing him of making ?blatant lies? regarding policy implementation in Congress-governed Karnataka. Kharge provided budgetary figures from Karnataka, insisting that Congress has implemented every election promise in the state. "It is shameful for a Prime Minister to mislead the people. I challenge Modi to prove his claims about Congress,? he added.

Kharge further criticized the BJP?s alliances with the Shiv Sena and NCP factions led by Ajit Pawar, claiming these alignments were maintained by misusing central investigative agencies. He accused the BJP of bending rules to sustain the ?illegitimate? Maharashtra government, deploying chief ministers and campaign machinery across the state to bolster its support.

In addition, Kharge brought up infrastructure issues, such as the alleged leaks in the new Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the Parliament building in Delhi, and the significant delays in the bullet train project. ?The bridge for the bullet train has already collapsed before the project is completed. How can we trust them to fulfill bigger promises?? he questioned.

Encouraging Maharashtra?s electorate to rally behind the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, Kharge concluded his address by urging voters to reject BJP?s divisive tactics and elect candidates who ?represent truth and accountability.?