Nagpur: The Congress party officially kicked off its campaign for the 2024 parliamentary elections on Thursday, launching a sharp critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
In his speech, Kharge promised that if Congress comes to power, it will implement the NYAY scheme, which guarantees an annual income support of ₹72,000 to every poor family.
Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi, speaking at the same rally, charged the Modi government with eroding democratic institutions and stifling freedoms. “The Modi government has seized control of institutions meant to protect the people’s rights,” he said, adding that the government has failed to address pressing issues like unemployment and inflation while attacking farmers and youth.
The Congress party emphasized the dangers posed to democracy under the current administration, warning of a drift toward authoritarianism. Youth leader Kanhaiya Kumar vowed that Congress would protect the Constitution and focus on solving core issues like joblessness and rising prices.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar highlighted the BJP’s declining influence in the southern states, asserting that the trend would extend to other regions.
While the rally drew significant public attendance, political analysts suggest the Congress will need to present a more comprehensive critique of the BJP’s decade-long governance and articulate a clear alternative vision to resonate with voters. The recurring narrative of democracy under threat may not be sufficient to sway the electorate in 2024.
