New Delhi, August 19: Following the monsoon session of Parliament, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) convened on Wednesday. Under the leadership of party president Mallikarjun Kharge, the meeting focused on the current political landscape. After the meeting, Kharge shared excerpts from his opening remarks on the social media platform X.
Kharge stated that this was the first gathering since the conclusion of the parliamentary session. He emphasized the need for reflection on pressing issues, particularly concerning the youth. Despite 80 years of independence, conditions in many crucial sectors have worsened rather than improved. India, the world’s youngest nation, faces a crisis where government policies have plunged the youth into deep disillusionment. The focus on communal frenzy and the culture of freebies has severely neglected education and employment opportunities for young people.
During the meeting, Kharge paid special tribute to Rajiv Gandhi, whose birth anniversary is on Thursday. He recalled how Gandhi prioritized youth during his tenure, reducing the voting age from 21 to 18 and establishing a network of Navodaya Vidyalayas across the country. The celebration of National Youth Day on Swami Vivekananda’s birthday also began during his leadership. The national education policy he formulated integrated employment and skill development with academic degrees.
Kharge highlighted that women and marginalized communities were given special attention in these initiatives. He noted that previous governments, particularly during the UPA era, advanced education rights and institutional development. However, he lamented that discussions about youth often overlook these significant achievements. The IT and communication revolution, a major accomplishment, empowered 21st-century India. The Congress party’s extensive efforts post-independence provided affordable and accessible education, paving the way for socio-economic development for the underprivileged. Yet, the Modi government has devastated the future of the youth over the past 12 years. Instead of new schools opening, 94,000 have closed in recent years, and higher education has become increasingly unaffordable due to rampant privatization.
Kharge pointed out that when educated youth seek jobs, they face issues like paper leaks, recruitment exam scams, and delays in appointments, with the most severe impact on the poor and marginalized. The growing anger among youth is not a fleeting sentiment; the government has consistently ignored their concerns. To avoid addressing problems, the government resorts to temporary fixes, forcing youth to take to the streets. The Congress party has included their struggles in its agenda, with Rahul Gandhi amplifying their voices through the “Students’ Echo” program. In Parliament, efforts were made to discuss education and examination issues, but the Prime Minister and Home Minister evaded questions throughout the session. Now, they are speaking, but focusing on non-issues instead of addressing youth concerns. Kharge asserted that it is time for Congress to create a clear, comprehensive, and timely roadmap from education to employment for the youth.
He also raised another critical issue linked to public trust: the Ram Temple. The allegations of massive corruption surrounding the temple’s construction are resonating among the populace. The Prime Minister announced the formation of a trust for the temple in Parliament, leading people to contribute generously, believing in its integrity. However, significant corruption has emerged, and while people are questioning, the Prime Minister remains silent. The nation deserves to know how much was donated and what valuable materials were received. Merely imprisoning a few individuals will not resolve the issue. The more the BJP diverts attention, the deeper the public’s doubts will grow.
Kharge mentioned serious facts regarding recent incursions by China into Indian territory. The government should have addressed this honestly, but as usual, it dismissed these reports as false. He emphasized that national security should not be politicized, nor should it be overlooked at any level. Citizens have the right to know the reality of the country’s borders. After the Galwan clash in 2020, the Prime Minister claimed that “no one has intruded.” Even after six years, serious questions about border security remain unanswered.
He commended the armed forces for their dedication and spirit but reiterated that the government must be held accountable. The future of youth, public trust, and national borders all hinge on one question: Is this government worthy of the people’s trust?
Congress Rajya Sabha MP Imran Pratapgarhi remarked that children in this country can discern who the educated leaders are and who are not. There is no need to learn patriotism from BJP leaders who claim that freedom came only after 2014. The younger generations are taking to the streets. The Prime Minister understands this well, which is why he is making videos at 1:30 AM instead of resting. If the BJP had gained 50 more seats, they would have altered the Constitution. They have only focused on breaking other parties and have no real support of their own.
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