Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP over the long-used ‘chaiwala’ narrative, accusing the PM of using it as political “drama” to garner votes.
‘Is it reality or propaganda?’ asks Kharge
Addressing the National MGNREGA Workers’ Convention organised by the Rachnatmak Congress, Kharge questioned whether Modi had ever actually lived the life he often refers to in speeches.
“He says ‘I am a chaiwala’ only to get votes. Have you ever made tea and moved around train compartments with a kettle?” Kharge asked, alleging that the BJP relies on propaganda rather than genuine concern for the poor.
Kharge further accused the ruling party of having a habit of “oppressing the poor” while projecting carefully crafted narratives for electoral gains.
BJP accuses Congress of arrogance
The BJP responded strongly, accusing the Congress of repeatedly targeting the Prime Minister with personal attacks. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said the remarks reflected the Congress party’s “arrogance”.
“On the instructions of Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge insults PM Narendra Modi by saying ‘Kabhi chai banaya hai?’ From abusing the Prime Minister’s mother to daily personal attacks, this is because Modi stands firmly between Urban Naxals and Bharat,” Bhandari said in a post on X. He added that the people of India would give the Congress a fitting reply in the 2029 elections, as they did in 2014.
Attack extends to governance record
At the same event, Kharge also criticised the functioning of the Union government, calling it a “two-man show” led by Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. He challenged the BJP to name major achievements of the government, contrasting it with projects initiated during the era of Jawaharlal Nehru.
Kharge further alleged that while the BJP frequently highlights bullet trains and Vande Bharat services, it has failed to lay railway tracks at the pace achieved during the UPA years, accusing the Prime Minister of focusing more on inaugurations than execution.
Political sparring continues
The exchange reflects the sharpening political rhetoric between the Congress and BJP as both sides trade charges over leadership, development and credibility, with narratives around identity and governance once again taking centre stage.