Kharge Declares Nitish 'Retired,' Predicts PM Modi’s Fall in 2025

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge declared that the BJP has effectively "mentally retired" Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, viewing him as nothing more than a burdensome liability. Kharge boldly predicted that the state's upcoming assembly polls will signal the downfall of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "corrupt regime" at the national level.Speaking at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) session in Patna, Kharge unleashed a barrage of criticisms against the BJP, highlighting issues like alleged electoral fraud, economic stagnation, rampant joblessness, deepening social divides, and the systematic undermining of independent constitutional bodies.

He took a swipe at Modi's foreign policy blunders, subtly nodding to recent moves by US President Donald Trump. "The international headaches we're facing stem from Narendra Modi's diplomatic flops. Those 'close friends' he brags about are now causing India endless grief," Kharge remarked.On the hot-button issue of "vote theft" and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, Kharge stressed the urgency of convening the CWC in Bihar – the cradle of democracy – to recommit to safeguarding India's democratic framework and Constitution. He harked back to the Ramgarh AICC session 85 years ago, where the initial Constituent Assembly idea was floated.

Kharge honored the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar for enshrining the principle of "one person, one vote." He warned that the bedrock of democracy – impartial and clear elections – is under threat, with growing doubts about the Election Commission's integrity."Rather than addressing exposes from multiple states, the EC is oddly asking us for sworn statements," Kharge charged. He accused the system of plotting nationwide voter deletions, starting with Bihar's SIR process, which he said robs the marginalized – Dalits, tribals, backward classes, minorities, and the impoverished – of essentials like food rations, pensions, healthcare, scholarships, and education fees.

Also Read: Modi Government's End Begins in Bihar Polls: Kharge

He praised the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' for mobilizing Bihar's masses, who rallied behind Rahul Gandhi in droves.Kharge painted a grim picture of national woes: an unkept vow of 2 crore jobs, youth aimlessly seeking work, the economic wreckage from demonetization and a botched GST rollout. "After eight years, Modi finally admits his errors, tweaking GST as we've demanded all along," he said.

He mocked Modi's sudden embrace of Gandhi's 'Swadeshi' ethos – the tool Congress used against British rule – while India cozies up to China, with imports from there surging twofold in five years.Turning to Bihar specifics, Kharge noted the NDA's January 2024 revival by propping up Nitish Kumar, yet the state lags economically under this "double engine" facade, with no central aid package in sight.

With Bihar's unemployment hovering over 15%, millions flee for jobs annually, while recruitment scandals spark street protests met with police brutality."Farmers here endure the nation's worst plight, hit yearly by devastating floods in the Kosi and Gandak rivers – a glaring sign of flood control failures," Kharge asserted. He slammed Modi's repeated but empty pledges to rejuvenate Bihar's sugar mills after a decade in power.

Tensions within the NDA are boiling over, Kharge claimed, with the BJP sidelining Nitish as an outdated asset."The 2025 elections aren't just Bihar's turning point; they'll kickstart the timer on Modi's corrupt era ending," he proclaimed.Emphasizing that 80% of Bihar's populace comprises OBCs, EBCs, SCs, and STs, Kharge demanded clarity on caste surveys and reservations. He credited Congress and Rahul Gandhi for pressuring the Centre into a caste count, recalling Bihar's own survey under the Grand Alliance.

"Why couldn't Modi grant constitutional safeguards to Bihar's 65% reservation law?" Kharge questioned, contrasting it with Congress's 30-year-old protection for Tamil Nadu's 69% quota.He blasted Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath – a purported Modi heir – for past anti-reservation writings and recent bans on caste-based rallies. "While we push for caste censuses, your CM threatens jail for protesters against injustice? Modi, clarify this to the nation," Kharge demanded.

Slamming Bihar's NDA rule, he decried the absentee governance amid rising crimes like robberies and murders, plus acute teacher shortages in schools."From this platform, I rally for Bihar's revival. United with allies, Congress will deliver jobs, education, healthcare, justice, and strong leadership. The vision of a thriving 'golden Bihar' is within reach – let's seize it," Kharge urged.

The meeting saw attendance from key Congress figures like Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Ajay Maken, KC Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh, Sachin Pilot, and Bihar chief Rajesh Kumar. Bihar's assembly elections are slated for November.

Also Read: Congress’ Power Move: Kharge and Gandhi to Lead Historic CWC Meeting in Patna