As Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed nine years in office, the Congress demanded his apology for what it said was "betrayal" of the people and asked him nine questions on issues ranging from rising prices and unemployment to national security and social harmony.
Marking this as 'Maafi Diwas' day, the Congress released the book 'Nau saal, Nau sawaal' (Nine Years, Nine Questions).
Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge tweeted, "In the last 9 years, the Modi government has become a "Vishwaguru" in snatching away the employment of crores of youths," and used the hashtag "#NaakamiKe9Saal" to mark the occasion.
Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said, "The BJP built its edifice in nine years on false promises and people's suffering. Inflation, hatred, and unemployment—Prime Minister ji, take responsibility for these failures of yours," Gandhi said in a tweet in Hindi.
The booklet is a report card of the nine years of the Modi government, and Congress leaders will hold press conferences in 35 cities across the country on Saturday to highlight the "failures" of the government.
Party member Ramesh claimed that the "clean chit" given to China on June 19, 2020, has proved "very dangerous" for India, whereby its negotiating position was weakened.
Here are the nine questions that Congress wants the BJP and Modi to answer:
Why are inflation and unemployment skyrocketing in India? Why have the rich become richer and the poor poorer? Why is public property being sold to PM Modi's friends even as economic disparities are increasing?
Why is it that the agreements made with farmers while repealing the three black farm laws have not been honoured? Why has MSP not been legally guaranteed? Why didn't farmers income double over the last nine years?
Corruption and cronyism: Why are you putting people's hard-earned savings in LIC and SBI at risk to benefit your friend Adani? Why are you letting thieves escape? Why are you silent on rampant corruption in BIP-ruled states, and why are you letting Indians suffer?
Why is it that even after your clean chit to China in 2020, they continue to occupy Indian territory? 18 meetings have been held with China, yet why do they refuse to yield Indian territory and instead continue with their aggressive tactics?
Why are you deliberately using the politics of hatred for electoral gains and fueling an atmosphere of fear in society?
Why is it that your oppressive government is methodically destroying the foundations of social justice? Why are you silent on the atrocities against women, Dalits, SC, ST, OBCs, and minorities? Why are you ignoring the demand for a caste census?
Democracy and federalism: Why have you weakened our constitutional values and democratic institutions in the last nine years? Why are you practising the politics of revenge against opposition parties and leaders? And why are you using blatant 'money power to destabilise governments elected by the people?
Why is it that schemes for the welfare of the poor, needy, and tribals are being weakened by cutting their budgets and making restrictive rules?
Why is it that, despite the tragic deaths of over 40 lakh people due to COVID-19, the Modi government has refused to compensate their families? Why did you suddenly impose a lockdown that forced lakhs of workers to return home and not provide any support?
Shrinate alleged that there has been economic mismanagement during the last nine years, which has led to the highest unemployment in 45 years, GDP falling from 8.2 percent to 4.1 percent, price rises, and corruption touching their highest levels.
Ramesh said it has become clear that people are now fed up with the prime minister, and "we are confident that the Karnataka verdict will have a very impactful result on other upcoming elections".
