JAMMU, Jun 12: Senior Congress leader and former DDC Taranjit Singh Tony today launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Central Government, describing the completion of 12 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure as “twelve years of misgovernance, broken promises, economic hardship and growing inequality.”
Tony said the BJP may be celebrating its anniversary through massive publicity campaigns, but the reality faced by ordinary Indians tells a different story.
Drawing a comparison between Prime Minister Modi and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Tony alleged that accountability has been replaced by image management. “In twelve years, Narendra Modi has not held a single open press conference where he independently answered questions from journalists, while Rahul Gandhi has interacted with the media over 129 times. Rahul has delivered hundreds of public speeches without teleprompters, participated in more than 1,000 intellectual interactions and discussions, addressed over 50 international seminars and consistently raised issues affecting common people. Modi’s record on open engagement remains negligible,” Tony said.
The Congress leader accused the BJP of relying on divisive politics rather than governance. “While Rahul Gandhi has spoken about unity, social harmony and constitutional values, BJP leaders have repeatedly resorted to communal rhetoric for political gains. The politics of polarization has weakened the social fabric of the country,” he alleged.
Tony said the Modi Government came to power promising two crore jobs annually, doubling farmers’ income and controlling inflation, but failed to deliver on its commitments. “Today unemployment is at alarming levels, inflation has burdened every household, farmers continue to struggle and economic inequality has widened significantly. The government has perfected the art of publicity while failing on governance,” he said.
He alleged that demonetisation and the flawed implementation of GST severely affected small traders, MSMEs and the informal sector, resulting in job losses and economic distress. He also referred to repeated examination paper leaks, including the NEET controversy, saying they had shattered the dreams of millions of young aspirants.
“Even educated middle-class families and urban voters who once strongly supported the BJP now feel betrayed. The handling of examination scandals, shrinking opportunities and growing frustration among youth have eroded public confidence,” Tony said.
The Congress leader further alleged that democratic institutions have come under pressure during the BJP’s tenure. “Parliament is increasingly sidelined, dissenting voices are targeted and governance has become highly centralized. Institutions meant to function independently are facing unprecedented pressure,” he claimed.
Referring to the recent deaths of Indian sailors in attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf region, Tony questioned the Centre’s response. “When Indian citizens lose their lives abroad, the nation expects a firm and uncompromising response. Instead, despite the tragedy and diplomatic concerns, the government appeared more focused on optics than accountability,” he said, adding that Prime Minister Modi’s public warmth towards US President Donald Trump despite the loss of Indian lives had raised serious questions among citizens.
“Whether it is unemployment, inflation, farmers’ distress, paper leaks, weakening institutions, growing inequality or the failure to adequately protect Indian citizens abroad, the BJP’s twelve-year report card stands exposed. India deserves accountability, transparency and leadership that puts people before propaganda,” Tony added.