GG News Bureau
Lonavala, 17th Feb. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge addressed concerns over leaders defecting to the BJP during a state-level training camp in Lonavala, asserting that he recently discussed the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Kharge criticized the BJP’s practice of enticing leaders from opposition parties, labeling it as an act of “cowardice.”
He recounted a conversation with the Prime Minister in Parliament, where he questioned the increasing number of ministers and ex-chief ministers joining the BJP.
Kharge highlighted the Prime Minister’s response, indicating that leaders were joining the BJP voluntarily due to the government’s performance, though Kharge argued that such transitions were driven by fear rather than genuine support.
“During a tea meeting in Parliament where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present, I asked him how many people are you (BJP) going to poach as ministers and ex-chief ministers are joining your fold. I asked him about the appetite (to take leaders from opposition ranks into the ruling party),” Mr Kharge told the gathering.
“He (PM) said what could he do if people want to join the BJP. I told him they (BJP) are carrying out this work (poaching) by scaring people. He said these people want to join because of their (government’s) work,” the Congress chief added.
Slamming turncoats, Kharge said party workers and voters made some persons “big leaders”, who then ran away, “which is nothing but an act of cowardice”.
“But we do not have to get scared. If we are scared, we will perish, But if we fight, we will live and, one day, victory will be ours. I am sure you are all ready for this,” he told his party’s workers.
Kharge pointed out that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said minimum support price (MSP) will get a legal guarantee if his party comes to power at the Centre.
This assurance has been welcomed by people, Kharge claimed.
Several farm outfits from Punjab have begun a march towards New Delhi seeking, among other things, legal guarantee for MSP, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, pension for farmers and farm labourers, farm debt waiver and no hike in electricity tariff.
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