Congress Lodges Complaint After BJP Accuses Manifesto of “Muslim League Imprint

The Congress released its 2024 Lok Sabha election manifesto on Friday. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge has led the fightback against the Prime Minister’s criticism, stating that the BJP is acting out of fear and has filed a complaint with the Election Commission.

On Saturday, the Prime Minister criticized the Congress’ manifesto at an election rally in Uttar Pradesh, referring to it as “completely bearing the imprint of the Muslim League.” In response, the Congress’ Pawan Khera addressed the issue, highlighting the party’s concerns and meeting with the poll panel.

The “Muslim League imprint” accusation drew a strong response from Mr. Kharge, who attacked the Prime Minister and Home Minister Amit Shah for “spreading falsehoods” and made historical references to the BJP’s ideological predecessors. Earlier, after the PM’s initial jibe, the Congress had pointed out historical facts, stating that Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee was part of a coalition government in Bengal with the Muslim League in the early 1940s.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh also weighed in on the controversy, emphasizing the BJP’s beliefs and practices in the politics of divisiveness. The section of the manifesto that has sparked this row is a guarantee to increase reservation for marginalized groups, including Dalits, past the Supreme Court’s 50 per cent cap.

The BJP president, J.P. Nadda, also criticized the Congress for its stance on reservation, drawing parallels with historical references to the Muslim League and calling for clarity on the issue.