‘Which of your leaders fought for Independence?’ Kharge targets BJP, RSS after I-Day row

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge strongly criticized the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Monday, accusing them of being "anti-India" and questioning their involvement in India's struggle for independence. During a Congress convention in South Goa's Verna, Kharge challenged the BJP and RSS leaders, asking, "Which of your leaders fought for Independence?" He questioned their patriotism and accused them of teaching anti-India values, including a religious purification ceremony after his speech.

Kharge also targeted Congress defectors who had recently joined the BJP, accusing them of betraying the party and the people of Goa. He emphasized the need for unity within the Congress party ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections and appealed to workers to focus on booth-level activities. Kharge highlighted issues such as drug abuse, job creation, inflation, and environmental protection as priorities if the Congress were to return to power.

Additionally, Kharge accused the BJP of "stealing" MLAs and engineering defections, calling the Goa government a "government of thieves." He warned that rich people from other states were "looting" Goa by purchasing land for their personal gain, without considering the local job market or culture.