Amidst the environs of Chitradurga in Karnataka, the echoes of political discourse resound as Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra directs her scrutiny towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In her pointed address, she accuses the esteemed leader of the nation of relinquishing the mantle of morality, engaging in theatrical displays before the populace, and straying from the path of truth. These allegations, she claims, coincide with a broader agenda to stifle dissent, silence opposition voices, freeze assets, and incarcerate two state chief executives.
There existed a bygone era where the populace anticipated their leaders to embody ethical virtues. They yearned for a moral compass to guide the nation’s destiny. Yet, in the present narrative, the predominant figurehead of the country, as Priyanka asserts, has forsaken the tenets of morality, opting instead for performative gestures, leaving a trail of disillusionment in his wake. She laments the departure from a time when leaders espoused benevolence and selflessness, contrasting it with the present, where egoism seems to eclipse all other traits in the grand persona of the “biggest leader” of the nation.
Traditionally, both in the ethos of Hindu traditions and the political landscape, the essence of veracity has been sacrosanct, a guiding principle for those in power to serve the nation with a sense of duty towards others. Priyanka underscores this, highlighting the dedicated service rendered by previous prime ministers across party lines.
Yet, in the current milieu, a shroud of deceit veils the government led by Narendra Modi. The art of political maneuvering, she notes, is hailed as ‘Modi’s masterstroke’ by the media, even as democratic norms are trampled in the pursuit of power. The Congress leader bemoans the lack of condemnation towards the BJP, which, she alleges, has flouted democratic norms with impunity. She expresses incredulity at the media’s nonchalance when legislators are purportedly ‘bought’ for exorbitant sums, with the media seemingly subscribing to the notion that only Modi possesses such prowess.
Turning her attention to the electoral bonds scheme, Priyanka contends that companies subjected to raids made hefty donations to the BJP, only to have their legal entanglements swiftly resolved thereafter. She insinuates a murky alliance between the government and corporate interests, suggesting a dubious transformation of illicit gains into legitimate political capital.
“How,” she wonders aloud, “could companies that could scarcely amass Rs 100 crore suddenly find themselves donating Rs 1,100 crore to the BJP?” The narrative, she laments, often targets the opposition with allegations of corruption, yet in her view, it is the BJP that has actively propagated corruption, leading the nation astray over the past decade.
Recalling a BJP official’s audacious proclamation of intent to amend the Constitution, Priyanka issues a cautionary plea to the public. “Beware,” she implores, “for those who speak of altering the Constitution hold the key to your future.” Such rhetoric, she suggests, carries profound implications for the lives of ordinary citizens.
Discussing the harrowing specter of “unprecedented unemployment” plaguing the nation, as per the government’s own NSSO job survey for 2017-18, Priyanka derides the conspicuous absence of discourse on employment, inflation mitigation, education, and healthcare from BJP leaders. Instead, she observes, the discourse is rife with divisive and distracting subjects, eagerly amplified by a compliant media.
On the global stage, she muses, Modi is touted as a preeminent figure of immense stature, capable, it is said, of averting conflicts with a mere gesture. With such accolades of authority, pride, and bravado, the Congress leader adopts a tone of sardonic disbelief.
“If,” she challenges the narrative, “Modi is indeed the towering figure he is portrayed to be, shielded from critique and inquiry, then why, pray tell, has he failed to foster employment opportunities, curtail inflation, introduce youth-centric initiatives, or catalyze progress within your households?”
Reflecting on the past decade, Priyanka recounts the meteoric ascent of a select few “friends” of the PM, now counted among the world’s wealthiest, purportedly through the benevolent hand of Modi himself. “Each day,” she notes wryly, “you are urged to swell with pride as India strides forward, yet I ask you, what fruits have you truly reaped in these ten years?”
Accusing the central government of withholding drought relief funds and failing to complete vital drinking water and irrigation projects, Priyanka contrasts this negligence with the transformative policies of the Congress government in Karnataka. She envisions a grander transformation should her party ascend to power at the national level, promising the realization of their Nyaya Patra’ manifesto, a blueprint for equitable progress.