Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge
Credit: PTI Photo
New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that he "talks more, but works much less" unlike his predecessor Manmohan Singh and the amount of work done during UPA time has not even been matched by 10 per cent in the last 11 years.
Addressing professionals chosen for Dr Manmohan Singh Fellows Programme, he recalled his association with the former Prime Minister and said he was always present in Parliament during sessions and used to answer questions, respond to the opposition, and engage in debate but the current Prime Minister Narendra Modi considers this beneath his dignity.
"The amount of work done in his (Singh's) time has not even been matched by 10 per cent in the last 11 years. Leaders who are educated and well-read possess greater knowledge, they work more, and they do not focus excessively on publicity," he said.
With democratic institutions "captured and under attack" and at a time politics is more about "showmanship and propaganda", Kharge said professionals have a huge role to play at a time data and technology can be used to expose things like "vote theft" as well as help in collecting analysing data for Caste Census.
He said those selected for the fellowship has special skills in areas like technology, research, communication, marketing, finance, medicine, foreign policy or defense and they must use these skills for the welfare and protection of the people.
"Connect yourselves with the struggles of ordinary people, and bring honesty, discipline, and sensitivity into politics. For example, it is with the help of data and technology that we were able to expose the large-scale issue of vote theft.
This has now become a national issue, and Rahul Gandhi-ji is holding a 'yatra' across Bihar on this issue. Similarly, on issues of social justice such as caste census, we need professionals to collect and analyse data," he said.
He said Rahul sought the help of data experts to expose vote theft and the court also took interest in the Special Intensive Revision in Bihar and gave a decision in favour of the people. "Today, it has become a people’s movement. So, your role is crucial. Each one of you can contribute in your area of expertise," he said.
Kharge reminded the fellows that the journey in politics is not easy and change requires patience and firm belief.
"India today stands at a crossroads—on one side, rapid social, economic, and technological changes are taking place, and on the other, unemployment and inequality have reached their peak. Democratic institutions are under both capture and attack. In today’s politics, there is more showmanship and propaganda, and less real work. At such a time, professionals like you need to step forward," he said.