New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday cautioned party leaders against drawing comparisons between recent violence against minorities in Bangladesh and incidents in India, terming such parallels as “wrong” and potentially damaging to the country’s image.
Speaking at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting held to mark the party’s 141st foundation day, Kharge expressed concern over remarks made by some senior leaders that appeared to liken the situation in Bangladesh — where post-Sheikh Hasina unrest has seen attacks on Hindus and other minorities — with communal incidents in India.
“Some of our leaders are comparing what is happening in Bangladesh with incidents here in India. This is not correct,” Kharge said firmly, urging everyone to exercise caution in public statements. “India is a democratic country with a strong Constitution that protects minorities. We must not create a false equivalence that harms our nation’s reputation.”
The rebuke came amid heightened internal debate within the Congress, particularly after senior leader Digvijaya Singh’s recent comments on the Bangladesh crisis and organisational issues. Sources indicated that Kharge’s remarks were directed at ensuring the party speaks in one voice and avoids giving ammunition to critics.
The CWC meeting also addressed several pressing national issues, including alleged voter list manipulations, protection of MNREGA, and atrocities against minorities.
The party general secretary in charge of the organisation, KC Venugopal, briefed the committee on ongoing membership drives and preparations for future elections.
Kharge’s intervention underscores the leadership’s efforts to maintain discipline and strategic messaging as the Congress navigates internal challenges and positions itself for upcoming electoral battles.