JAMMU, OCT 29: Jammu and Kashmir BJP Media In-charge Dr. Pardeep Mahotra on Thursday criticised the Congress leadership under Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the party had become increasingly disconnected from ground realities and public aspirations, with its electoral setbacks raising questions about its political approach, priorities and leadership.
Reacting to what he described as the Congress party’s poor performance in recent elections to 28 MLC seats across four states, Dr. Mahotra said the opposition party needed to undertake serious introspection and reassess its political strategy instead of continuing with a narrative that, according to him, had failed to address people’s concerns.
He argued that repeated electoral disappointments should prompt the Congress leadership to review its organisational functioning, leadership priorities and approach towards public service. According to Mahotra, political parties must remain connected with the aspirations of citizens and demonstrate accountability through their policies and actions.
Drawing a comparison with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political journey, Mahotra highlighted what he described as 25 years of public service, beginning with Modi’s tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister and continuing through his leadership as Prime Minister.
He said Modi’s tenure reflected a focus on national development, public welfare, infrastructure expansion and efforts to transform India into a developed nation. He also referred to India’s growing international engagement and global standing under the present government.
“Today, the world looks at India with hope, confidence and growing respect. Under the strong leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has emerged as an increasingly important global partner, and Indians across the world take pride in their nation’s growing stature,” Mahotra said.
The BJP leader also accused the Congress of continuing a political approach centred on one family, alleging that decades of family-centric politics, corruption-related allegations and insufficient attention to ordinary citizens had contributed to the party’s difficulties. These remarks formed part of his broader criticism of the Congress leadership and its political direction.
Mahotra maintained that political parties could not sustain public confidence merely by criticising their opponents or raising slogans. He said accountability, credible leadership and a demonstrable commitment to public welfare were essential for maintaining a meaningful connection with the electorate.
Calling upon the Congress and other opposition parties to draw lessons from electoral outcomes, Mahotra urged them to adopt a constructive approach towards national development. He said the opposition should contribute to policy discussions and initiatives aimed at strengthening the economy, improving public welfare and advancing India’s development objectives.
He further stressed that political differences should not prevent parties from contributing to broader national priorities, asserting that democratic institutions benefit when political engagement focuses on public concerns, accountability and development.
Mahotra’s remarks reflect the BJP’s continuing political criticism of the Congress leadership, with the party seeking to contrast the Modi government’s development agenda with what it describes as shortcomings in the opposition’s political approach. The Congress’s electoral performance and leadership strategy remain subjects of political debate, with the BJP calling for introspection within the opposition ranks.
