Kharge Questions BJP's Record On Jobs Amid Uttarakhand Election Defections

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday launched an early political offensive ahead of the 2027 Uttarakhand Assembly election, focusing on unemployment, government recruitment and alleged political defections while sharply criticising the BJP and the RSS. Addressing a public meeting at Ramlila Ground in Haldwani, Kharge sought to position Congress as a party that would prioritise employment opportunities and merit-based recruitment if voted to power in the hill state.

Kharge promised that a Congress government in Uttarakhand would ensure that young people secured government jobs without corruption or political recommendations. He alleged that recruitment under the BJP government had been influenced by money and other irregularities, and said appointments should instead be made strictly on merit. The Congress president's remarks placed employment and transparency in recruitment at the centre of the party's political messaging as it begins preparations well ahead of the 2027 polls.

The Congress leader also sought to connect his party's campaign with Uttarakhand's military heritage. Referring to the Kumaon and Garhwal regiments, Kharge recalled the contribution of soldiers from the region and specifically mentioned Major Somnath Sharma, the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. By invoking the state's military tradition, he sought to underline what he described as the Congress's historical contribution to the country while appealing to a constituency where military service and the armed forces have long held social significance.

Also Read: Kharge Claims PM Modi, Shah Are Avoiding Answers On Donation Row And Protests

Kharge stepped up his criticism of the BJP and RSS by alleging that they had made no contribution to India's freedom struggle. He contrasted this with the Congress's role in the Independence movement, saying the party's leaders and workers had made sacrifices for the country. Kharge also told Congress workers and people in Uttarakhand not to be intimidated by political pressure, signalling an aggressive approach towards the BJP as the opposition party prepares to challenge the ruling establishment in the next Assembly election.

Unemployment was another major focus of Kharge's speech. He claimed that nearly 30 lakh government posts were vacant across the country and questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his earlier promise of creating two crore jobs annually. “The country’s youth are unemployed. The Prime Minister must be questioned about his promise,” Kharge said. His remarks reflected the Congress's broader effort to make employment a central issue in its political campaign and to target the BJP over what it describes as a gap between electoral promises and employment opportunities.

Kharge's Haldwani address effectively marked an early start to Congress's campaign for the 2027 Uttarakhand Assembly election, with the party seeking to build its narrative around jobs, recruitment transparency and political accountability. The Congress president's attack on the BJP and RSS also indicated that the contest is likely to extend beyond local governance issues into broader questions of national politics and historical legacy. With the election still some time away, the speech sets out the issues Congress is likely to emphasise as it seeks to strengthen its challenge to the BJP in Uttarakhand.

Also Read: Mallikarjun Kharge Criticises Indian Hockey Team Jersey Colour Change, Attacks RSS