Kharge Accuses BJP of Prioritising Party Alliances Over Public Welfare Amid Inflation

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government at the Centre, accusing it of focusing on political alliances while ordinary citizens struggle to afford basic necessities due to rising inflation.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Kharge said, 'The BJP is busy buying parties and forming alliances when people cannot even afford essentials. The price of everything from vegetables to fuel has gone through the roof, and the government has no answers.'

Kharge's remarks come amid persistent high inflation in India, with retail inflation remaining above the Reserve Bank of India's comfort zone for several months. Food inflation, in particular, has been a major concern, impacting household budgets across the country.

The Congress president also criticised the government's handling of the economy, alleging that it has failed to create jobs and control prices. 'The government's policies have benefited only a few industrialists, while the common man is left to bear the burden,' he added.

In response, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra dismissed Kharge's allegations, saying the government has taken several measures to control inflation and support the poor. 'The Modi government has provided free food grains to 80 crore people and implemented various schemes to ease the burden on the common man. The Congress has no moral right to talk about inflation when its own record in power was far worse,' Patra said.

Data from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation shows that retail inflation based on the Consumer Price Index stood at 5.08% in June 2024, slightly down from 5.09% in May. However, food inflation remained elevated at 7.87% in June, driven by rising prices of vegetables, pulses, and cereals.

Kharge's criticism also comes at a time when the BJP has been expanding its political outreach, including recent alliances with parties in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The Congress has accused the BJP of using its financial muscle to shore up political support, an allegation the ruling party denies.

Political analysts say inflation is likely to be a key issue in the upcoming assembly elections in several states, with opposition parties seeking to capitalise on public discontent over rising prices.