New Delhi, Feb 8: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has unveiled a “Black Paper” outlining alleged “failures” during the 10-year tenure of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre. This release comes amidst the central government’s preparation to present a “White Paper,” aiming to illustrate the country’s economic challenges during the previous Congress-led UPA regime (2004-14), which it claims led to India being dubbed one of the “fragile five” economies globally.
During the release of the Black Paper, Kharge emphasized the document’s focus on highlighting the BJP government’s shortcomings, particularly concerning unemployment. He expressed frustration at the government’s tendency to emphasize its achievements while downplaying failures, leading the opposition to take matters into its own hands with the Black Paper.
In a press briefing, Kharge criticized Prime Minister Modi’s recent 90-minute response to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address in the Rajya Sabha, noting the absence of mention regarding employment generated by public sectors established during Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s tenure.
Kharge further accused the Centre of discriminating against non-BJP ruled states, alleging a threat to democracy due to the BJP’s actions in toppling Congress-led governments.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal announced plans for a discussion on the White Paper in the Lok Sabha, emphasizing the need to inform the public about the economic situation inherited by the Modi government in 2014.
During the interim budget presentation, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the government’s successful efforts in stabilizing the economy since 2014, overcoming previous challenges and setting the stage for sustainable growth.
The budget session, which marks the last parliamentary session before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections expected in April-May, was initially scheduled to conclude on February 10.
