Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday warned of potential dictatorship if the BJP secures victory in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. He asserted that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi wins again, it could lead to the elimination of elections, drawing parallels with Russian President Vladimir Putin's tactics.
Addressing a party rally in Odisha's Bhubaneswar, Kharge claimed that this election is crucial for saving democracy in India. He expressed concern that a BJP victory might result in a scenario where the party rules the country similarly to Putin's control in Russia.
Kharge accused the BJP of employing tactics to force people to leave opposing parties and alliances, posing a threat to the democratic and constitutional structure. He highlighted the use of notices and the instrumentalization of agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax as weapons against political opponents.
The remarks come in the aftermath of Bihar Chief Minister's decision to sever ties with the Mahagathbandhan and join the BJP-led NDA. Despite this development, Kharge asserted that the move wouldn't weaken their stance, and they remain confident of defeating the BJP in the upcoming elections.
Responding to Prime Minister Modi's criticism of Congress's past achievements, Kharge argued that Modi ascended to power due to the democratic values upheld by the Congress. However, he accused the current government of undermining the foundations of democracy and the constitution, suggesting a departure from the principles that brought Modi into office.
