Need to counter PM Modi's "falsehood" attack on Congress: Kharge tells CWC

New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday leveled allegations on Prime Minister Narendra Modi of attacking the Congress with "lies and falsehood" and urged party members to build a counter-narrative.

In opening remarks at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting held on Monday, Kharge also criticised PM Modi for not visiting violence-hit Manipur as the latter continues his visits to various states ahead of the upcoming state Assembly elections.

"The Prime Minister's absence in Manipur stands in sharp contrast to his frequent visits to the election-going states. His baseless attacks filled with lies and falsehoods on the Congress party will only increase in the coming days. It is essential that we counter these falsehoods and create our own counter-narrative," Kharge said.

Kharge also assured that the Women's Reservation Bill would be implemented and extended to Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and a nationwide caste-based Census would be conducted if the party is voted to power in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
"We resolve to implement women's reservation, including extending reservation to OBC women when we come to power in 2024... We have also demanded a nationwide Caste-based Census, crucial for effective government programs and welfare schemes," Kharge wrote on X, sharing excerpts from this speech at the meet held in New Delhi.

The meeting also discussed current political issues such as the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill, the demand for a country-wide caste census and the upcoming Assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram.
"As we approach the upcoming Assembly elections and general elections, it is important that the party works with meticulous coordination and complete discipline and unity," he said, adding that the Congress workers must also expedite efforts to highlight government failures and raise concerns affecting the common people.

Kharge further alleged that the ruling party's divisive tactics and misuse of autonomous bodies pose a threat to democratic stability.
"Today, our nation faces inflation, unemployment, and the government's failure to implement the Old Pension Scheme," the Congress chief said.
In a message to the party workers, Kharge said that in 2024, they must strive to establish a government that addresses these grave challenges and cater to the marginalized, youth, women, farmers, and labourers and further asked to propagate the work of Congress-led state governments and past governments.

"Simultaneously, we must address pressing issues like inflation and unemployment while remaining attuned to the people's voices. We must propagate the exemplary work of Congress-led state governments and past Congress Governments. By highlighting these accomplishments, we can instil faith among the public and inspire a brighter future," he added.