Kharge unveils political romance: BJP-BJD alliance accused of exploiting Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), on Monday launched a vehement criticism against the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing them of conspiring to exploit Odisha and oppress its impoverished population.

Speaking at the Congress’ Odisha Bachao Samavesh in Bhubaneswar, Kharge asserted that the BJP and BJD had entered into a strategic alliance, likening it to a love affair aimed at pillaging and ruining Odisha. Drawing historical parallels, he contrasted the strong relationship between Biju Patnaik and Nehru with the present-day connection between Naveen Patnaik and the BJP, characterizing it as a love marriage. Kharge questioned the contributions of the current leaders, stating that while Congress had bestowed Paradip Port and Rourkela Steel Plant upon Odisha, he questioned what Naveen Patnaik and Narendra Modi had offered.

Kharge highlighted the shift in ideological alignment, noting that Biju Patnaik admired Nehru’s ideas, whereas Naveen Patnaik had embraced the ideology of the BJP, which he described as rooted in hatred.

Emphasizing recent political developments, Kharge claimed that Congress had played the role of matchmaker in the marriage between BJP and BJD. He alleged that the two parties had been in a romantic alliance for an extended period, resulting in their formal union.

Accusing the coalition of looting the state’s natural resources, Kharge also directed criticism at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of undermining democracy. He warned that if Modi were to return to power, the upcoming election would be the last, predicting the establishment of a dictatorship akin to Putin’s rule in Russia. Kharge urged the public to view the impending election as the final opportunity to safeguard democracy.

Highlighting a socioeconomic divide, Kharge claimed that only the wealthy supported BJP and Patnaik, while the Congress aligned itself with the interests of the poor.

In his allegations of corruption, Kharge pointed to the massive mining scam in the state, involving crores of rupees, and the over Rs 20,000 crore chit fund scandal, holding both the BJD and BJP responsible for the loss of citizens’ hard-earned money.