BENGALURU: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has sharply criticised Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge over his recent comments calling the BJP a party of extremists. Responding to Kharge’s remarks, Joshi accused the Congress of harbouring a soft stance on national security issues, referencing past actions like the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) in 2004 and accusing Congress of sympathizing with terrorists. He highlighted incidents from the Congress era, stating that it was under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership that terrorism has been effectively curtailed across India.
During his speech in Hubli, Joshi addressed Kharge’s accusations, suggesting that the Congress leader’s statement was ironic considering the party’s own past. Joshi accused Congress of being lenient toward extremism, saying, “It was Sonia Gandhi who shed tears for the terrorists who were killed in the Batla House encounter, and Congress took a lenient stance on issues involving Afzal Guru. They repealed POTA, a crucial anti-terrorism law, undermining national security.”
Mallikarjun Kharge mistakenly called BJP as Terrorist party by slip of tongue, however it was Sonia Gandhi who shed tears for terrorists who died in Batla House.
It was congress which was soft on Afzal Guru.
It was congress who repealed POTA in 2004.
It was their PM Manmohan…— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) October 12, 2024
Pralhad Joshi’s remarks extended to Congress’ alliances and their alleged historical support of separatist ideologies. He claimed that Kharge’s comments were hypocritical, as the Congress had previously collaborated with groups and individuals who promoted separatism. “During Congress rule, the youth in Kashmir were seen with stones in their hands, a symbol of unrest. Today, under PM Modi’s leadership, those same youth have jobs and a future,” said Joshi, emphasizing the positive changes brought under the current administration.
Joshi went further, accusing Congress of aiding extremists by protecting Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. “Your party nurtured terrorism by safeguarding Article 370. Our government took the bold step to abrogate it, and the situation has improved significantly,” he added.
Joshi didn’t stop at national security. He also criticized Congress’ treatment of Dalit and OBC leaders, stating that prominent figures like Babu Jagjivan Ram, Ambedkar, and Sitaram Kesari were sidelined by the party. “Congress claims to stand for backward communities, yet they have consistently failed to promote OBC leaders to the highest offices. All key positions were reserved for the Gandhi family, while deserving leaders were ignored,” he said. Joshi emphasized that the BJP has been more inclusive, promoting leaders from backward communities.
He further accused Congress of being insincere in its support for Dalits and backward communities, stating, “It is laughable to hear Kharge talk about extremism when his party’s own history is tainted with discrimination against Dalits and backward communities. Unlike Congress, the BJP has genuinely given respect to these communities.”
A recent decision by the Karnataka Congress government to withdraw cases related to the Hubli riots has escalated the political confrontation. Joshi condemned the move, accusing Congress of indulging in appeasement politics. He pointed out that AIMIM leader Mohammad Arif and others were accused of leading violent mobs that clashed with the police, causing injuries to officers. “The Congress government’s decision to drop these cases sends a clear message of appeasement. They are willing to disregard the safety of police officers to cater to vote bank politics,” he said.
In a direct challenge, Joshi called on Kharge to reconsider this decision, stating, “Kharge Saheb, tell your party in Karnataka to revisit this decision. This is not about justice but about appeasing a particular section of society for political gains.”
Joshi’s remarks have intensified the ongoing political battle between BJP and Congress, particularly ahead of the upcoming elections. His pointed criticism aligns with the BJP’s broader strategy of portraying the Congress as weak on national security. By highlighting incidents where Congress allegedly sided with extremists, the BJP aims to position itself as the party that ensures national safety and unity.
The Karnataka government’s decision to withdraw riot cases, which the BJP has framed as appeasement, is likely to be a key issue in the party’s campaign. Joshi’s comments reflect a wider sentiment within the BJP to challenge Congress on their past actions and their current policies, accusing them of communal politics.
Pralhad Joshi reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has strengthened India’s internal security, reduced terrorism, and promoted communal harmony. He credited the BJP’s decisive actions, including the abrogation of Article 370, as steps that have brought stability and peace, contrasting it with Congress’ “soft stance” on similar issues.
While the Congress has yet to provide a detailed rebuttal, leaders within the party have defended the decision to withdraw the Hubli cases, stating that it was aimed at maintaining social harmony and peace. They argue that the legal process was respected and that it was a step towards reconciliation. However, BJP leaders, including Joshi, have rejected this explanation, suggesting that the decision was driven by political motives rather than a genuine effort to ensure justice.
