Making one person a god is an autocracy, not democracy: Mallikarjun Kharge

Chitradurga: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday said that if one person is made a god in a democracy, then it is no longer a democracy but becomes an autocracy.

Taking a dig at BJP and PM Narendra Modi, the veteran politician called on all sections of society, especially SC/ST and other sections to unite for safeguarding the Constitution and democracy. "For everything Prime Minister Modi, in a democracy, if you make one person a god, it is not a democracy it is an autocracy, and it will lead to dictatorship. Think about it. You have to know your rights and you should fight to get them."

Speaking at the "Aikyata Samavesh", a large convention of SC/ST communities organised by the Karnataka Congress, he asked people to support him, his party, and its leaders in the upcoming elections. He said he too is the son of the soil.

He further said the goal should be to protect democracy in the country and safeguard the Constitution. He added that one can ask for reservations and promotions or even become an MLA and Minister if the Constitution and democracy are there. "If you have strength, if you are united, you will have value. If you are not united, the divide-and-rule principle that the British used which Prime Minister Modi is using now will be applied to you by everyone else in the society. Keep this in mind."

"There are more than 30 lakh job vacancies in the government sector and Prime Minister Modi is not filling them, why? We have to question and demand it to be filled. Out of 30 lakhs, 15 lakh is for SC/ST and OBCs, these are assured jobs," he pointed out. "They (ruling BJP administration) are not filling up these vacancies, because if the poor get jobs and get money into their hand, their (BJP) game will be over. So they are recruiting people on daily wages and contract basis for jobs," said the Congress leader.

Speaking about unemployment, he asked why the government is silent about its promise to provide two crore jobs every year. "Did anyone ask? No. When Prime Minister Modi comes, only Modi, Modi slogans echo and when Amit Shah comes Shah, Shah slogans, ask them about jobs."

He also drew attention to farmers' problems and said: "Despite all this, why are people, also those belonging to SC/ST communities, quiet? Why didn't you fight? It is your fundamental right provided under the Constitution."

He also claimed that Karanataka was a progressive state but had seen ruins under the BJP rule. "They created fights between people in the name of religion and caste. BJP is responsible for it...there is a loot and share system under the BJP, no work is happening, money is demanded everywhere."