Looking forward to align with like-minded parties to defeat BJP in 2024 LS polls: Cong chief Kharge

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday said his party looks forward to forging a viable alternative by aligning with like-minded parties in order to get rid of the "anti-people" BJP government in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and is ready to make any sacrifices required to achieve the goal.

In his address at the Congress' 85th plenary session, Kharge said the country is facing challenges such as continued assault on constitutional and democratic values, issues of national security at the border with China, all-time high inflation and record unemployment.

"In the prevailing difficult circumstances, the Congress is the only party in the country that can provide capable and decisive leadership," he asserted. From 2004 to 2014, the Congress-led alliance with like-minded parties served the people of the country, Kharge said.

"We once again look forward to forging a viable alternative by aligning with like-minded parties to defeat the anti-people and undemocratic BJP government. "We at ready to strive for the welfare of the people of our country and (will make) whatever sacrifices that are required for our goal for the upcoming state assembly elections and the 2024 elections," the Congress chief said.

In a scathing attack on the BJP-led government, Kharge said the DNA of those sitting in Delhi is "anti-poor" as they are attempting to destroy democracy, and called for a people's movement against the prevailing situation in the country. He also took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the one who calls himself "pradhan sevak" is serving the interests of his "friends".

In his address at the party's plenary session, Kharge alleged that there is a "conspiracy to destroy democracy" in India, but the Congress is working to unite everyone. He also hit out at the BJP-led Centre for steps such as demonetisation, GST rollout and a "continued assault on constitutional values".