Jodhpur, Rajasthan: In a spirited address at a rally in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge took a swipe at the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the Income Tax Department, characterizing them as “jawans” or foot soldiers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kharge asserted that, before the Prime Minister embarks on his campaign trail, he deploys these central agencies to target the opposition.
Speaking ahead of the November 25 assembly polls in Rajasthan, Kharge also remarked that the Prime Minister’s newfound focus on the poor is a direct result of the approaching elections. This statement follows Prime Minister Modi’s recent announcement regarding the extension of the free ration scheme for five years.
Kharge accused the Modi government of burdening the poor while favoring industrialist allies, particularly Adani. In a direct jab at the Prime Minister, he noted that traditionally, leaders such as kings, chief ministers, or prime ministers work to uplift the impoverished, but in this era, one individual is favoring the rich despite securing votes from the poor. Kharge lamented that during Prime Minister Modi’s tenure, the rich have grown wealthier while the poor have become even more impoverished.
Regarding recent actions taken by central investigative agencies against Congress leaders in states heading for elections, Kharge alleged that Prime Minister Modi dispatches the Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax, and the CBI for “campaigning” before embarking on poll campaigns and delivering speeches. He also referred to these agencies as “jawans” of Prime Minister Modi. Concluding on a resilient note, Kharge stated, “These individuals are pursuing us, but they will remain behind while we continue moving forward.” The public rally was conducted after Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot submitted his nomination papers for the upcoming November 25 elections.
