As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) celebrates 11 years at the helm of Indian governance, the Congress party has launched a fierce counter-narrative. On Monday, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, accusing it of “damaging democracy, weakening the economy, and undermining India's federal structure.”
In a strongly worded statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Kharge alleged that the BJP and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), have eroded constitutional institutions and diluted the autonomy of key democratic pillars.
"A Deep Blow to Indian Democracy"
Kharge minced no words in characterizing the last decade under BJP rule. “In the last 11 years, the Modi government has caused a deep blow to Indian democracy, economy and social fabric,” he said. Accusing the regime of deliberately weakening democratic institutions, Kharge pointed to instances of government toppling and misuse of investigative agencies as signs of eroding democratic norms.
He further claimed that the federal structure of India has been weakened, with states’ rights often ignored or bypassed. “Whether it is stealing public opinion and toppling governments through the back door, or forcibly imposing a one-party dictatorship—India’s democracy has been manipulated for political convenience,” Kharge wrote.
A Counter-Narrative to Modi's Celebratory Tone
The Congress leader’s comments came as Prime Minister Modi marked the 11th anniversary of his tenure with a message of inclusive growth and global leadership. “India today is not just the fastest-growing major economy but also a key global voice on pressing issues like climate action and digital innovation,” PM Modi posted on social media, emphasizing his government’s focus on infrastructure, technological advancement, and welfare delivery.
Kharge, however, dismantled this narrative point by point, especially on economic grounds.
Economic Mismanagement or Reform?
Kharge criticized the Modi government’s economic policies, claiming that they have led to stagnation and regression. “The BJP-RSS has made the country’s GDP growth rate habitual of 5-6%, which used to be 8% on average during the UPA,” he said. He added that the government's promise of two crore jobs annually was far from reality and accused it of snatching jobs from the youth.
Further raising alarms about rising inflation, Kharge noted that public savings are at their lowest point in 50 years and that economic inequality has reached a peak not seen in a century. These concerns align with recent data that suggests widening wealth gaps and pressure on middle-class finances due to rising costs and stagnant wages.
"Failed Flagship Programs"
Kharge also derided several of the Modi government’s flagship initiatives, calling them mere slogans without meaningful implementation. “Make in India, Startup India, Stand Up India, Digital India, Namami Gange, 100 SMART Cities—all have failed,” he said. He alleged that while new infrastructure projects are being inaugurated with much fanfare, they are often the result of groundwork laid during the previous UPA government.
The Congress president also reserved sharp criticism for the condition of the Indian Railways, claiming it has been “ruined” under the BJP regime. Safety issues, derailments, and project delays have periodically haunted the national transporter, giving opposition parties fuel for criticism.
The Broader Political Implication
Kharge’s statement is more than just political posturing—it signals the opposition’s strategy to corner the BJP on issues of governance, economic disparity, and erosion of democratic values as India inches closer to another general election. The contrast between Modi’s celebratory tone and Kharge’s blistering critique paints a polarized picture of contemporary India, one that reflects the ongoing ideological battle between the BJP and Congress.
What Lies Ahead?
As India stands at the crossroads of economic ambition and democratic introspection, these sharply contrasting narratives force citizens to confront fundamental questions: Has the last decade brought meaningful change for the majority of Indians? Have institutions remained independent? Is economic growth translating into jobs and income equality?
While the BJP touts India’s rising global stature and infrastructure transformation, the Congress warns of growing internal fractures in democracy, governance, and social cohesion.
Both narratives will continue to shape public discourse in the coming months. For now, Mallikarjun Kharge’s bold critique reminds the nation that the story of Indian democracy remains contested—and that citizens must stay engaged, informed, and vigilant.