Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. File
| Photo Credit: PTI

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday (October 4, 2024) alleged that the Modi government’s skill development cooperation is facilitating the recruitment of about 15,000 Indian workers in Israel in the West Asia war.

Mr. Kharge claimed that earlier youth from the country were duped by dubious agents for going to the Russia-Ukraine war and many lost their lives too. “It speaks volumes about the Joblessness induced by the anti-youth policies of the Modi Government,” he said in a post on X.

“The fact that young unskilled, semi-skilled and educated youth are willing to risk their lives and serve in war-ridden theatres, at reportedly high salaries, tells you that PM @narendramodi’s lofty claims on Jobs are nothing but Fake Retorts to hide his own failures! “Youth of Haryana who are forced to seek jobs in these conflict zones will teach a befitting lesson to the BJP, tomorrow,” Mr. Kharge said in his post.

“None less than Modi Government’s National Skill Development Cooperation is facilitating the recruitment of about 15,000 Indian workers in Israel, amidst the war in West Asia,” he alleged.

The Congress chief’s comments came a day ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections, where his party is seeking to wrest power back from the BJP after a gap of ten years.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.
| Photo Credit: ANI

As Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge completed one year in office, the party said it has made “significant progress” under his leadership and he has been instrumental in revitalising the organisational structure.

Mr. Kharge was elected as the Congress president last October after defeating Shashi Tharoor in the party’s internal polls for the top post. He had officially taken over as the Congress president on October 26, 2022.  “Mallikarjun Kharge: Congress President Committed To People’s Good. Shri Kharge embodies the virtues of the Indian National Congress – Virtues of democracy, social justice, secularism, inclusive growth and patriotism,” the Congress said in a post on X on October 26.

“Having risen through the ranks, he is an ideal example of what passion and persistence can achieve,” it said.

“From a humble position of a block-level leader to becoming the party’s elected president, his journey studded with 55 years of electoral success is a testament to his hard work, dedication and commitment to the cause of democracy,” the Congress said.

“He [Kharge] is a fearless leader who fights for and defends the ideals he believes in. He also champions the rights of the poor and marginalised,” the party said. “Under his leadership, the party has made significant progress. He has also been instrumental in revitalising the party’s organisational structure and outreach to the people,” the Congress said.

It asserted that Mr. Kharge is a visionary leader who is committed to building a better future for India. “He excels at consensus making and staunchly stands up for what is right and just,” the party said.

“As our president completes a year in office, we wish him the very best and thank him for his efforts and inspiration to all those who strive to make a difference,” it said. Several Congress leaders extended their wishes to Mr. Kharge as he completed one year in office.

In a post on X, Mr. Tharoor said, “My Pranaams to Shri @kharge ji. May he lead us strongly to victory in the electoral battles ahead!” Congress leaders Pawan Khera, Supriya Shrinate, Abhishek Singhvi and Manish Tewari, among others, hailed Kharge and wished him on completing one year in office.