The Congress party launched a scathing critique of the Narendra Modi-led government’s performance as it completed 100 days of its third term in office. On the milestone day, the Congress dubbed it a “Government of U-turns,” accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of failing on multiple fronts, including the economy, unemployment, and foreign policy. The opposition party expressed its dissatisfaction with what it perceives as the government’s inability to deliver on its promises, particularly in areas that were highlighted during the election campaign.
Economy and Inflation
One of the central points of the Congress’s criticism has been the government’s handling of the economy. Congress leaders claim that Modi’s government has failed to control inflation, which continues to burden the common citizen. Prices of essential commodities like food, fuel, and cooking gas have surged, leading to growing public discontent.
“The promise of achhe din (good days) has turned into mehngai ka din (days of inflation),” said Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala. He emphasized that while the government continues to boast about economic growth, the benefits have not reached the common man, with income inequality growing steadily. The Congress also pointed out that the GST regime, initially meant to streamline the tax system, has become cumbersome and has added to the woes of small traders and businesses.
The opposition has further highlighted India’s growing unemployment crisis. According to the Congress, job creation has not kept pace with the number of people entering the workforce, with unemployment rates hitting worrying levels in recent years. The party alleges that the government has failed to deliver on its ambitious promises to create jobs, and instead, it has resorted to temporary fixes such as government schemes that don’t address the root cause of the issue.
Farmers and Agriculture
Agriculture, a sector that employs over half of India’s population, remains another key point of contention. Congress claims that the Modi government has failed to protect the interests of farmers, despite various promises during its election campaign. The repeal of the controversial farm laws after months of protests has been labeled by Congress as one of the government’s significant U-turns.
“The farmers were forced to protest for more than a year, during which hundreds of lives were lost, and only then did the government withdraw the laws,” said a senior Congress leader. The party criticized the government for not providing adequate compensation to the families of deceased farmers or resolving their demands for Minimum Support Price (MSP) legislation.
Foreign Policy and National Security
The Congress also raised concerns about the government’s foreign policy, accusing it of failing to safeguard India’s strategic interests. The ongoing border tensions with China and the perceived lack of progress in resolving the situation were key issues highlighted by the party. Despite several rounds of talks, there has been no significant de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
“Modi’s foreign policy, particularly with China, has been a disaster. Our territorial integrity is being challenged, and the government remains silent,” said another Congress spokesperson. The party has been vocal about what it sees as a lack of transparency in dealing with China, demanding clearer communication from the government on the issue.
Social Issues and Governance
Beyond economic and foreign policy concerns, the Congress has also been critical of the government’s handling of various social issues. The party accused the Modi government of fostering divisiveness and communal tensions for political gain. Several instances of violence and unrest have been highlighted by Congress as indicative of a lack of focus on social harmony.
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“Rather than focusing on development and governance, this government has sown seeds of discord among communities. India’s social fabric is being torn apart by divisive rhetoric,” said Rahul Gandhi during a press conference marking the government’s 100-day milestone.
Additionally, the Congress has accused the Modi government of eroding democratic institutions, undermining the independence of the judiciary, and stifling dissent. The party claims that freedom of speech is under threat and that opposition leaders are being targeted through legal and institutional means.
Conclusion
As the Modi government marks 100 days in its third term, the Congress party has made it clear that it believes the administration has failed to deliver on its promises. From economic woes and foreign policy challenges to rising social unrest, the Congress alleges that the government’s track record falls short of expectations. While the Modi government remains popular with a significant portion of the electorate, Congress’s critique sets the stage for more intense political battles in the months leading up to the next general election.
The Congress party’s assessment has been dismissed by BJP leaders, who argue that the government’s achievements far outweigh its challenges. However, the opposition remains steadfast in its position that the government has not lived up to the high expectations it set for itself. As the political discourse intensifies, it’s clear that the government’s performance in these key areas will remain central to the opposition’s strategy in the coming months.
