Kharge Accuses Modi Government of Ignoring Pensioners While Funding Self-Promotion
Kharge attacks Modi government over stagnant pensions and spending priorities.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday launched a sharp political attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi through a post on social media platform X, alleging that the government’s policies reflect a contradiction between public calls for austerity and high spending on publicity and self-promotion.
Kharge accused the government of neglecting vulnerable sections of society, including the elderly, widows, and persons with disabilities, by failing to revise social security pensions for the past 12 years. He argued that while citizens are urged to practice restraint, basic welfare support for disadvantaged groups has remained stagnant despite rising prices.
In his post, Kharge highlighted the impact of inflation on fixed pension amounts, claiming that their real value has significantly eroded over time. He stated that pensions of ₹200, ₹300, and ₹500 have effectively reduced in purchasing power to much lower present-day equivalents, making it difficult for beneficiaries to meet essential expenses such as food and medicines.
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The Congress leader also raised concerns over government expenditure on publicity campaigns, alleging that nearly ₹1.5 crore is spent daily on advertisements. He further claimed that between 2014–15 and 2024–25, the government’s total spending on self-promotion through advertisements amounted to ₹5,987.46 crore, questioning the prioritisation of such spending amid welfare concerns.
According to Kharge, the contrast between low pension support and high publicity expenditure reflects what he described as an imbalance in governance priorities. He argued that while millions of elderly citizens struggle with basic needs, significant funds are being directed towards political messaging, large-scale events, and promotional activities by the ruling establishment.
The remarks come in the backdrop of Prime Minister Modi’s recent appeal urging citizens to adopt austerity measures in response to the West Asia crisis, including saving fuel, reducing non-essential consumption, and limiting foreign travel, aimed at strengthening the national economy.
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