Cong Releases ‘Black Paper’ on BJP Economic Policies Ahead of White Paper on UPA Era

New Delhi: Hours before the Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to present the government's 'white paper' during the current Budget Session of Parliament regarding the purported "mismanagement" of the economy during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) era, the Congress made a bold move by releasing its own critique titled "10 Saal Anyay Kaal 2014-2024 (10 years of injustice)". The document, referred to as a "black paper", aimed to scrutinise the tenure of the Narendra Modi government.

“Today, we are bringing out a 'black paper' against the government. Whenever PM (Narendra) Modi presents his views in Parliament, he hides his failures. At the same time, when we speak about the failures of the government, it is not given importance. Therefore, we want to bring out a black paper and tell the public about the failures of the government,” Kharge said at a press conference.

According to the black paper, the country's economy has suffered significant setbacks, with unemployment worsening and the agricultural sector deteriorating under Modi's leadership. The Congress alleges that the government has also failed in addressing crimes against women and has perpetrated injustices against minorities.

The Congress booklet mirrors the themes of Rahul Gandhi's ongoing Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. It emphasises what it sees as economic, social, and political injustices under the Modi regime, along with concerns regarding social harmony and national security.

This release follows a recent parliamentary session where Modi lambasted the Congress on various issues, accusing the party of dividing the nation along regional lines and neglecting marginalised communities. 

While unveiling the black paper, Kharge engaged in a point-by-point rebuttal against the PM. He dismissed Modi's assertion about appointing individuals from SC/ST backgrounds to high offices, stating, "That is not important. Yeh toh bante rahte hain (they keep becoming)." Kharge then drew comparisons between former President K R Narayanan and the current President, Droupadi Murmu, emphasising the former's distinguished career and international reputation. 

Furthermore, Kharge accused the Modi government of favouring corporate interests at the expense of the common citizen, alleging that economic conditions have not improved and job opportunities have not increased despite government rhetoric. He also criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP's) fundraising methods, alleging coercion and harassment, and highlighted instances of alleged political intimidation.

Kharge recounted receiving abusive phone calls following his criticism of Modi's speech, emphasising that such tactics would not weaken him or the Congress. He challenged the government to engage in constructive debates rather than resorting to defamation and intimidation. 

Responding to Modi's accusations of a North-South divide, Kharge reminded the PM of his own past demands for increased state revenue sharing when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat, accusing Modi of hypocrisy and instigating division within the country. 

He added, “Congress ensured the country's independence and in 2024, it will take the country out of BJP's 'darkness of injustice'”

Speaking to media, he also said, “There is a danger to democracy in the country...In last 10 years, 411 MLAs were taken on their by the BJP. They toppled so many Congress governments. They are finishing democracy.” 

Kharge also denounced Modi's attacks on Rahul Gandhi in the Rajya Sabha as "lowering the standard of a Prime Minister", urging for a more statesmanlike approach focusing on vision and achievements rather than mere political rhetoric.

In a response laden with sarcasm, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for issuing the "black paper", sarcastically referring to it as "kaala teeka" (a black mark to ward off evil). Modi highlighted his government's achievements amidst what he described as baseless criticisms.