In Ranchi, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh referred to Narendra Modi as the "outgoing prime minister" and claimed that the ongoing polling indicates the BJP's diminished presence in south India and halved influence elsewhere. Ramesh alleged that Modi had polarized voters along religious lines and accused him of dishonesty regarding his involvement in Hindu-Muslim politics.
During a press conference, Ramesh remarked that Modi's behavior after the initial election phases revealed his desperation. He predicted the removal of what he termed as a "pandemic of lies" by June 4. Ramesh criticized the failure of "Modi ki Guarantee" and the absence of discussions on 'Viksit Bharat', noting that the BJP's campaign now primarily focuses on "Hindu-Muslim" dynamics.
Ramesh asserted that the INDIA bloc would lead the next central government and commit to conducting a nationwide caste census to ensure fair representation for SCs, STs, and backward classes. He criticized the BJP-led government for allegedly misusing the ED, CBI, and IT Department and pledged that the Congress, if elected, would review the authority granted to these agencies.
Additionally, Ramesh accused the government of diluting land acquisition laws to favor "capitalists". Highlighting the purpose of the INDIA bloc as safeguarding democracy and the country's Constitution, Ramesh emphasized the party's commitment to preserving these fundamental institutions.
He stressed that the Congress advocated for "inclusive distribution" rather than wealth redistribution, contrasting the BJP's forgotten promise of "400-paar" with the Congress's aim of raising the daily minimum wage to Rs.400, including for MGNREGA workers. In response to Modi's accusation that the Congress received substantial funds from "Adani-Ambani" to silence criticism, Ramesh questioned why the BJP had not utilized the ED and CBI to substantiate the claim, pointing out the agencies' actions against opposition leaders.
