Mallikarjun Kharge criticises Modi government on Independence Day, citing youth dreams and protest suppression

New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge attacked the Modi government in his Independence Day message, alleging that the dreams of the country's youth were being trampled upon and that a hate campaign had been launched against those staging protests.

Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, the leaders of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, respectively, also stayed away from the Independence Day function at the Red Fort, as they did last year. Congress sources claimed the two were not provided proper protocol and seating arrangements.

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"What is happening to our youth? Today, the dreams of the youth are being trampled (upon). The country's youth are agitating, and we, along with the leader of the opposition, are supporting them. The Constitution grants everyone the right to protest for their cause; they are not anti-nationals. But, hate campaigns are launched against those who protest," Kharge said while addressing the Congress Independence Day function.

He also accused the BJP-RSS of indulging in divisive politics aimed at keeping society divided.

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Kharge questioned the silence of the prime minister and the home minister over police action against agitating students.

He also raised the issue of alleged donation theft at the Ram temple to target the prime minister.