Kharge Declares Lok Sabha Elections a Mandate Against Modi

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge asserted that the Lok Sabha elections reflected a political and moral defeat for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Terming it a victory for democracy, Kharge credited Rahul Gandhi's campaigns and highlighted obstacles posed by the BJP-led government. He stressed the need to protect democracy and the Constitution.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday announced that the outcome of the Lok Sabha elections is a clear mandate against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, terming it both a political and moral defeat for him.

In a press conference, Kharge described the results as a triumph for both the people and democracy. The BJP-led NDA was ahead in over 290 seats, while the opposition INDIA bloc was leading in 232 parliamentary seats.

“This is the victory of the people and of democracy. We had been saying that this was a fight between the people and Modi. We humbly accept the people's mandate,” Kharge stated at the AICC headquarters, alongside Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi.

Kharge emphasized that no single party had been given a clear majority, particularly the BJP, which sought votes based on 'one person, one face'. He described it as a significant defeat for Modi, who campaigned on his personal branding. Kharge underscored the role of Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra and Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, which he said connected with millions and bolstered the election campaign.

Despite hurdles allegedly created by the BJP-led government, such as seized bank accounts and systemic campaigns against opposition leaders, Kharge credited the Congress and INDIA bloc for running a positive campaign focused on pressing issues like inflation, unemployment, and misuse of constitutional institutions. “People understood the deceit in Modi's statements about our manifesto,” he asserted.

Kharge accused the BJP of undermining constitutional institutions to oppress political opposition, warning that Modi's continuation in power posed a grave threat to the Constitution and democracy. He concluded by thanking the INDIA bloc partners and emphasizing the need to continue the fight to protect democratic rights and ensure parliamentary priorities.