THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, 6 May: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a sharp counterattack on Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday, accusing him of targeting the nation in his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. BJP state spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo said Kharge’s statements in Ranchi today had sent a “dangerous signal” both domestically and abroad at a time when the country stands united against terrorism.
“Kharge’s sword turned against India”
Speaking at a press conference at the BJP’s state headquarters in Ranchi, Shahdeo said, “Today, when Mallikarjun Kharge drew his sword, it was not against terrorism or Pakistan, but shockingly against his own country.” He was referring to Kharge’s recent remarks that questioned the performance of Indian intelligence agencies and the Prime Minister’s leadership amid national security concerns.
Also Read: Kharge accuses Modi govt of ignoring intelligence before terror attack
Shahdeo claimed that the country expected a strong message to be sent to Pakistan, but instead Kharge chose to “cast doubt on the integrity of India’s defence and intelligence institutions.”
BJP recalls past intelligence lapses but defends national interest
Drawing a sharp contrast, Shahdeo said the BJP has always prioritised national interest over political point-scoring, even during moments of significant intelligence failures such as the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the assassination of Indira Gandhi.
“Even during the gravest intelligence lapses, we stood with the government of the day. But Kharge’s comments today cross a line,” he added. Shahdeo also referenced former US President Barack Obama’s memoir A Promised Land, claiming it revealed that then-PM Manmohan Singh refrained from striking back at Pakistan post-26/11 due to fear of the BJP gaining political mileage.
“Congress now pretends to save Constitution”
Shahdeo didn’t stop at Kharge’s comments. He reignited long-standing grievances from the BJP’s side, asserting that Kharge missed an opportunity to apologise for the imposition of the Emergency and the 42nd Constitutional Amendment — which the BJP has consistently called an assault on democracy.
“The same Congress that strangled constitutional rights now talks about saving the Constitution. The public hasn’t forgotten the past,” he remarked.
Attacks on Congress leaders’ controversial remarks
Shahdeo also took aim at several Congress leaders and allies — including Robert Vadra, Ajay Rai, Imran Masood, and Saifuddin Soz — accusing them of making anti-national statements. “Despite repeated incidents, Kharge refuses to rein in his party members,” Shahdeo said, suggesting that vote-bank politics and appeasement were driving Congress’s silence.
“Congress suppressed Mandal Commission for a decade”
Shahdeo further accused the Congress of historical hypocrisy over caste-based issues. He claimed that the party — which now champions the caste census — had previously suppressed the Mandal Commission report that sought to give 27% reservation to backward classes.
“It was Rajiv Gandhi who opposed the Mandal report in Parliament and warned it would cause a civil war. Now, they are uncomfortable seeing a tribal woman as President and a backward-class leader as Prime Minister,” Shahdeo concluded.
