PM should speak on jobs not give history lessons, says Priyank Kharge

Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge on Sunday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking whether the country should expect history lessons and sermons from or concrete plans on employment, economic growth and foreign policy.

Addressing presspersons here, Mr. Kharge said that the Prime Minister must clearly outline how the Centre proposes to generate jobs, strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and revive flagship programmes such as Skill India and Digital India.

“When people question unemployment or the economy, they are labelled anti-national. We did not elect a Prime Minister to deliver gyan darshan. Citizens want to know where the country is headed,” he said.

Stating that there is no objection to the Prime Minister’s personal faith or temple visits, Mr. Kharge said that public office demands accountability for governance. “For history lessons, we have educational institutions. As Prime Minister, he must speak about jobs, the economy and foreign policy,” he added.

Raising federal concerns, Mr. Kharge said that the Southern States together contribute about 40% of the country’s GDP.

“If the Centre ensures fair devolution of tax revenues, States can build infrastructure and create employment on their own,” he said and noted that the South provides livelihoods to large numbers of people from the Northern States.

Mr. Kharge also accused the BJP-led Central government of misusing Central agencies. He said that the Directorate of Enforcement is being deployed to intimidate the Opposition and influence elections.

He further criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah for prioritising political destabilisation over border protection and internal security.

Targeting Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, Mr. Kharge said that the Janata Dal(S) has surrendered its political space to the BJP and is no longer an independent force in Karnataka.

He said that repeated political shifts of the Janata Dal(S) has weakened the party and confused its cadre.

“Instead of attacking the Congress, Mr. Kumaraswamy should explain to the people where the Janata Dal(S) stands after aligning with the BJP,” Mr. Kharge said and questioned whether either the BJP or the Janata Dal(S) have ever come to power in the State on their own strength.