Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi criticised the BJP over its lamp-lighting campaign held to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 76th birthday.
Kharge said the BJP should instead light a diya to “atone” for what he described as the party’s governance failures. Rahul Gandhi also criticised the BJP-led governments while raising concerns about healthcare, malnutrition and public welfare.
The remarks came on September 17, when BJP leaders and supporters across the country organised programmes to mark Modi’s birthday.
Congress used the occasion to highlight issues it said required greater government attention.
Kharge Raises Healthcare and Inflation Issues
Kharge focused his criticism on healthcare costs and inflation.
He referred to findings attributed to the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration concerning markups on medical consumables. According to the report, Maharashtra authorities found markups exceeding 2,000% on some healthcare products.
Kharge also referred to inflation in food and other consumer goods. He argued that rising prices were placing pressure on ordinary households.
Against this backdrop, he said the BJP should light a diya to atone for what he called its “pathetic misgovernance and sins.” His statement formed part of the Congress criticism of the government’s handling of public welfare issues.
The remarks were made on World Patient Safety Day, which focuses attention on patient safety and healthcare systems.
Rahul Gandhi Raises Balaghat Child Deaths
Rahul Gandhi separately raised the issue of deaths among tribal children in Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh.
According to the Congress statement reported by the Times of India, Gandhi said more than 30 tribal children had died amid illness, malnutrition and inadequate basic health facilities.
He directed his criticism at Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and questioned the government’s response to the situation.
Gandhi also referred to allegations involving spurious medicines and hooch deaths while criticising the government’s priorities during the birthday celebrations.
The claims and criticisms formed part of Congress’s broader attack on the BJP’s governance record.
BJP Holds Birthday Programmes for PM Modi
The Congress remarks came as BJP leaders organised several programmes to celebrate Modi’s birthday.
Lamp-lighting events took place in different parts of the country. Party workers and supporters participated in programmes linked to the celebrations.
The BJP’s events formed part of activities organised around Modi’s 76th birthday on September 17. Other programmes included public-service activities and welfare-related initiatives.
The birthday celebrations also drew criticism from opposition parties over the scale and timing of some events.
Congress Links Celebrations to Governance Issues
Congress leaders used the birthday celebrations to shift attention towards issues involving public services and economic pressures.
Kharge focused on healthcare costs and inflation, while Gandhi highlighted child deaths and health conditions in Balaghat. Both leaders connected their criticism to what they described as shortcomings in governance.
The Congress position was that government leaders should focus on these issues rather than celebrations.
The BJP has continued to present its birthday-related programmes as part of its broader public and organisational activities.
Debate Over Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs formed a major part of Kharge’s remarks.
His comments referred to the reported findings of the Maharashtra FDA regarding prices of medical consumables. The reported figures have added to the wider discussion about the cost of healthcare and the pricing of essential medical products.
The issue also came amid discussions around patient safety and access to affordable healthcare.
Congress argued that such concerns require attention from governments and regulators.
Opposition Steps Up Criticism
The latest remarks add to Congress’s continuing criticism of the BJP-led government on economic and public-service issues.
Opposition leaders have frequently used inflation, healthcare and employment as areas for political criticism. The latest statements again placed these issues at the centre of the political debate.
However, the remarks about BJP “sins” and “misgovernance” represent Congress’s political characterisation rather than an independently established finding. The BJP’s response and its own assessment of its governance record remain separate matters.
BJP and Congress Present Different Narratives
The episode reflects contrasting political narratives around Modi’s birthday.
The BJP and its supporters organised celebrations and public programmes. Congress leaders used the same occasion to highlight issues they believe require greater government attention.
Kharge’s comments focused on inflation and healthcare costs. Gandhi’s remarks focused on child deaths, malnutrition and public health concerns in Madhya Pradesh.
The competing messages show how political parties used the Prime Minister’s birthday to highlight different aspects of public life.
Political Exchange Continues
The Congress’s “diya” remark has become part of the political exchange surrounding Modi’s birthday celebrations.
Kharge said the BJP should light a diya to atone for what he described as governance failures. Gandhi separately questioned the Madhya Pradesh government’s response to reported deaths among tribal children.
The BJP’s birthday programmes, meanwhile, continued across the country.
The episode has brought healthcare costs, inflation, public health and government accountability into the political discussion surrounding the Prime Minister’s birthday.