New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday targeted the Narendra Modi-led BJP government over the “future of youth”, alleged financial irregularities in donations to the Ram Mandir trust and reports of Chinese encroachment along the border, asking whether the government could still be trusted on issues of education, public money and national security.
Addressing the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Indira Bhavan in the national capital, Kharge said the biggest concern before the party was the growing frustration among the country’s youth, who, he alleged, were facing rising education costs, school closures, paper leaks, recruitment examination irregularities and delays in appointments.
New Delhi: A crucial meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) was held at the Congress headquarters, Indira Bhawan. Party President Mallikarjun Kharge, CPP Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, along with other CWC members, attended the meeting.… pic.twitter.com/aGN3fScnzf
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Kharge Highlights Rajiv Gandhi's Education Initiatives
Kharge recalled that it was Rajiv Gandhi who had lowered the voting age from 21 to 18, expanded Navodaya Vidyalaya network and linked education with employment and skill development. Today, Congress must forward put a clear Education-to-employment roadmap so that our Young people have better opportunities and a more secure future, Kharge said.
Congress Raises Concerns Over School Closures and Exam Issues
Kharge alleged that the situation had worsened under the Modi government, claiming that instead of new schools being opened, around 94,000 schools had closed in recent years, while higher education was becoming increasingly expensive. He said students from poorer sections were the worst affected by paper leaks, irregularities in recruitment examinations and delays in appointments.
Questions Raised Over Ram Mandir Trust Donations
Congress President then turned to the issue of Ram Mandir trust, questioning the accounting of donations made by devotees to the temple. “Serious questions continue to arise about money, gold and other donations received by the Ram Mandir trust. People have right to know how these donations are being accounted for and used,” he said.
Kharge said the Prime Minister had announced the formation of the trust in Parliament and questioned why the government had remained silent over allegations of financial irregularities.
Kharge Raises Concerns Over Chinese Encroachment Reports
Kharge also raised reports of Chinese encroachment along the Indian border, accusing the government of failing to provide clear information to the public. “National security should never be used for political purposes, but it also cannot be used as a reason to prevent citizens from asking legitimate questions,” he said.
“We have the highest respect for our Armed Forces, but questions about the government’s position and the situation on our borders must be answered by them. The people deserve transparency about what is happening along our borders,” he said.
Top Congress Leadership Attends CWC Meeting
The entire top leadership of the Congress attended the CWC, which is the highest policy-making body of the party. They include Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, KC Venugopal, Ambika Soni, Jairam Ramesh and many others.