Congress President Kharge Launches Scathing Attack on Modi Government Over Parliament Proceedings
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge delivered a sharp critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union government on Friday, accusing them of deliberately denying established facts regarding the publication of former Army chief General M.M. Naravane's memoir. Kharge asserted that the controversy was "right under your nose" and condemned what he described as the government's persistent evasion of critical questions raised by Opposition parties concerning national security matters.
Opposition Walkout and Unanswered Questions
Kharge's remarks followed a significant parliamentary development where Opposition parties staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha during the Prime Minister's reply to the debate on the President's address. The walkout was prompted by allegations that their pressing concerns—particularly those related to national security and China—were systematically ignored and left unaddressed in the government's response.
"There is no need to react to the PM's speech, but I would like to respond to the things he said. Because repeating lies has been one of his habits," Kharge stated, directly referencing Prime Minister Modi's parliamentary address. He elaborated further, noting, "In 97 minutes of this speech, the PM did not say anything conclusive. He didn't reply to any of the concerns we had raised during the discussion, but only spoke about the last 100 years, 75 years, and 50 years."
The General Naravane Memoir Controversy
A central point of Kharge's criticism focused on the government's handling of the controversy surrounding former Army Chief General Naravane's memoir. Kharge pointedly questioned the government's claim in Parliament that the book had not been published, presenting a stark contradiction.
"When we talk about the country's defences, we received the published book by General MM Naravane (Retd), but how did you not get it? And you say in parliament that the book hasn't been published. How can the Defence Minister say that the book is not published? It is a privilege. It is right under your nose," Kharge challenged.
He alleged that both Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated the same position in the House. The situation shifted only after Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi reportedly brought an alleged published copy of the memoir into Parliament, forcefully asserting that the book had indeed been published. "In the end it turned out to be true," Kharge concluded, highlighting the discrepancy.
China Issue and Alleged Avoidance
Kharge also scrutinized the government's reaction when Rahul Gandhi raised the issue of China during the parliamentary debate. "Why were they troubled when LoP Rahul Gandhi raised the issue (China issue)? Listen to the truth and reply… deny it," he questioned, suggesting the government was uncomfortable confronting this critical national security topic.
Explaining the rationale behind the Opposition's decision to walk out, Kharge stated they felt the Prime Minister had fundamentally failed to provide substantive responses to the debate. "It is so unfortunate that he had no substance and answer to the issues we had raised in the House. Later, they only kept abusing me," he added, accusing the ruling party of resorting to personal attacks instead of governance-focused dialogue.
Rebuttal on Sikh Community Remarks and Broader Accusations
In a separate but related rebuttal, Kharge rejected allegations that the Congress party had insulted the Sikh community. This followed controversy stemming from Rahul Gandhi's comment labeling Union minister Ravneet Bittu a "traitor," which drew sharp reactions from the BJP.
"We respect the Sikh community," Kharge affirmed. He cited the example of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, stating, "Dr. Manmohan Singh, a renowned economist, was appointed the Finance Minister and PM twice, the same post as Modi ji."
Broadening his critique, Kharge accused the ruling party of prioritizing political attacks over actual governance. "In the last 10 years, what have they done except abuse the Congress?" he questioned, framing the current parliamentary session as emblematic of a deeper pattern of avoidance and confrontation rather than constructive engagement on national issues.
