KPCC Leader Alleges BJP's Backdoor Entry to Power, Ideological Battle
In a sharp critique of the ruling party, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) vice-president VS Ugrappa has alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) consistently ascends to power through backdoor methods rather than securing a clear mandate from the people. Speaking to reporters in Mysuru on Friday, Ugrappa launched a broadside against the BJP's political strategies and governance record.
Ideological Clash: Gandhi vs Godse
Ugrappa framed the current political landscape as an ideological clash between the principles of Mahatma Gandhi and those of Nathuram Godse. He asserted that the Congress party staunchly upholds Gandhian ideology, which emphasizes non-violence, truth, and social harmony. In contrast, he accused the BJP of representing Godse's ideology, which he associated with divisiveness and extremism.
"The country is witnessing a fundamental struggle between these two opposing worldviews," Ugrappa stated, emphasizing the Congress's commitment to Gandhian values.
Targeting PM Modi: Loans and Evasive Responses
Directly targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ugrappa alleged that the Central government has accumulated loans amounting to Rs 150 lakh crores over the past decade. He criticized the Prime Minister for what he described as casual and evasive responses to serious national issues, suggesting a lack of accountability in governance.
Allegations of Societal Division and Electoral Manipulation
Ugrappa further accused the BJP of deliberately creating divisions within society for electoral gains. He claimed that such tactics undermine social cohesion and exploit communal tensions to consolidate power, rather than addressing substantive policy matters.
Congress to Protest MGNREGA Renaming
Announcing a series of sustained protests, Ugrappa revealed that the Congress will vehemently oppose the renaming of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). As part of this agitation, an all-night dharna will be organized in Mysuru. He alleged that the BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) have made no constructive contributions to any sector and are attempting to erase Gandhi's legacy through such name changes.
Unfulfilled Promises and Economic Concerns
Recalling the promises made ahead of the 2014 elections, Ugrappa highlighted several key assurances by Modi:
- Return of black money from Swiss banks
- Deposit of Rs 15 lakh in every citizen's account
- Creation of crores of jobs
- Reduction in prices of essential commodities
He contrasted these promises with the current reality, pointing out that prices of essential goods have risen sharply, while gold and silver prices continue to soar. "The reality today is starkly different," Ugrappa remarked, adding that unemployed youth are being advised to sell pakodas instead of receiving meaningful employment opportunities.
Criticism of Central Overreach and Federalism
Ugrappa alleged that the Central government is tightening its grip over state governments, restricting their freedom to create employment and implement local policies. He reiterated that such actions are detrimental to federalism and democratic governance, undermining the autonomy of states.
The press conference was attended by Congress district unit president BJ Vijayakumar and city unit president R Murthy, underscoring the party's unified stance on these issues.
