As the Modi government marks the completion of 11 years in office, the Congress party launched a scathing attack, alleging that the country has been subjected to an “undeclared emergency” and that the much-publicized promise of “achche din” has turned into a “nightmare” for citizens.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), claimed that every section of India’s 140 crore population has suffered during the BJP-led administration over the past decade. Highlighting what he called a trail of broken promises, Kharge accused the government of failing across multiple fronts, including employment, agriculture, women’s safety, and social justice.
“On May 26, 2014, the Modi government began its tenure by making grand promises. Eleven years later, those promises have turned into hollow claims. The promise of ‘achche din’ has become a nightmare,” Kharge wrote in Hindi.
He alleged that the youth were betrayed with the unfulfilled promise of creating two crore jobs annually, stating that in reality, job opportunities have declined significantly. On the issue of farmers, he said their incomes were never doubled, and instead, they faced state repression, including the use of rubber bullets during protests.
Kharge further criticized the government on women’s issues, saying that the women’s reservation bill was watered down by imposed conditions and that their safety remains a major concern. He also alleged that marginalized communities—Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and minorities—have faced increased atrocities and a shrinking share in welfare and representation.
Turning to the economy, the Congress chief said inflation remains uncontrollably high while unemployment is soaring. He argued that consumer demand has stalled, the “Make in India” initiative has failed to deliver, and income inequality has reached alarming levels.
On the foreign policy front, Kharge alleged that the government’s ambition to make India a “Vishwaguru” (global teacher) has fallen flat, with strained diplomatic ties in various regions. He also criticized the government’s alleged undermining of democratic institutions, claiming the autonomy of agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and the CBI has been compromised and that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has exerted undue influence.
“Every section of the population is suffering. This is the real legacy of the past 11 years under the lotus symbol,” Kharge said, referring to the BJP’s election symbol.
Congress general secretary in-charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, echoed the sentiment. In his own post on X, he remarked, “Today is May 26, 2025. Today is Undeclared Emergency @ 11,” marking the anniversary of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first swearing-in in 2014.
While the Congress criticized the government’s track record, the ruling BJP has been actively highlighting its achievements and flagship schemes as it prepares to consolidate support ahead of future electoral battles. Prime Minister Modi took the oath for a third consecutive term on June 9, 2024, and his administration continues to reach out to the public with its development narrative.
As both major national parties stake their claims ahead of upcoming political contests, the nation remains divided over the legacy of the last 11 years under the BJP government.
