Congress Chief Slams PM Modi’s ‘Arrogance’ in Response to Independence Day Speech

New Delhi, August 15, 2023: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks during his Independence Day speech. In response to PM Modi’s statement about presenting achievements in his next year’s Independence Day speech, Kharge accused the Prime Minister of showing “arrogance” and stated that Modi will instead hoist the flag “at his home” next year.

Kharge emphasized that the outcome of the upcoming election is determined by the people’s votes. He added, “To say in 2023, ‘I will hoist the flag once again in 2024’ is arrogance.”

While Kharge was absent from the Red Fort Independence Day celebrations, he explained that he couldn’t attend due to eye-related issues and protocol obligations. Kharge mentioned, “I had to hoist the Tricolour at my residence at 9:20 am as per protocols. Then, I had to come to the Congress office and hoist the Tricolour. So, I could not have reached here (party office) on time as the security was so tight.”

During his Independence Day address, PM Modi had stated, “Next year, on August 15 from this same Red Fort, I will list out the progress achieved by the nation and sing paeans to your strength, your resolve, and your success with greater confidence.” Kharge’s response reflects the ongoing political discourse in the lead-up to the upcoming parliamentary election.