‘More hurdles for BJP as INDIA gets stronger’

NEW DELHI: In the heat of the Lok Sabha elections, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge spoke to

and on a range of issues, including electoral bonds, Muslim and OBC reservations, turncoats, Sam Pitroda’s inheritance tax statement, and the poll landscape after two phases of voting. approved OBC reservations. Now you’re criticising the one who brought justice, saying we want to take the reservation. defamed, but he is taking full advantage.

The Election Commission has enacted a new rule stating that if any leader of any party says something, the president of party will be served with notice. What is your view?

This cannot happen. The one who says it is responsible. If your son commits a crime, can you be held accountable? Their method of operation is to intimidate and deceive. This will not endure.

What plans do you have to strengthen the party in weak states like UP and Bihar?

Right now, our focus is on elections rather than the organisation. That is why we have made friends with SP in UP and are contending for 17 seats. We want to defeat the BJP wherever it is strong. We have no disagreements with the PM, but his ideology does not serve the country’s interests.

Prior to the elections, the Income Tax Department seized the Congress’s account. The party also made allegations of not getting equal opportunities. How is the situation now?

Whatever is seized is seized. There are no restrictions on subsequent collection. They did their utmost to harass. We had challenges because we lacked resources. Even those who provide resources are terrified. That is why we are canvassing door to door. Whatever we do is based on our guts.

Electoral bonds are a major concern, but the Opposition has failed to bring it to the public’s attention. Will the INDIA-LED alliance investigate it if it gains power?

If electoral bonds were a level playing field, everyone would have received them. What happened was to scare a few contractors and attempt to halt their tenders. What occurred is that the person who would’ve paid us ₹100 instead handed us only ₹5. At the same time, the person who would have given ₹10 to the BJP donated ₹10,000. Because they have investigating agencies. They also awarded contracts to those from whom they received more money. ‘Chanda do, dhanda lo’ (donate and get business).

Will the INDIA grouping issue a joint manifesto?

We have resolved that following the elections, the alliance leaders would sit to make a common minimum programme.

Are we speaking to the country’s first possible Dalit prime minister?

Look, I’ve never considered myself a Dalit. I consider myself a Congressman. If a senior Congress leader receives something, it is a different story. My goal is to overthrow the BJP and destroy its philosophy. This is more beneficial to me.