Chikkaballapura: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday accused the BJP and RSS of being responsible for an alleged Rs 20,000 crore "loot" linked to donations made in the name of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
He charged the ruling BJP at the Centre with "attempting 'vote chori' (vote theft)" through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and using delimitation to retain power.
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Addressing a gathering after unveiling a statue of the architect of the Constitution, B R Ambedkar, Kharge alleged that while the BJP invoked religion for "political gains", it was also undermining democratic institutions through electoral manipulation.
"You have seen how much looting is taking place in the name of God. What happened in Ayodhya? Did the poor do it? Did Dalits do it? Did farmers do it? No. It was people associated with the RSS and the BJP who did it," the Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha said.
He alleged that property worth around Rs 20,000 crore has been looted in Ayodhya Ram temple.
"Gold, silver and even bricks donated in the name of the Ram Temple have been looted. Every day they chant God's name, but in God's name they engage in loot," Kharge charged.
According to the Congress chief, the BJP was indulging in 'vote chori' through revisions of electoral rolls in states such as West Bengal, Maharashtra, Haryana and Assam, and the party was misusing constitutional processes to remain in power.
"They (BJP/RSS) are stealing votes. They loot wealth in the name of God, and those in politics do the same for power. Babasaheb Ambedkar framed this Constitution to prevent such misuse. Unless you unite and remain vigilant about the Constitution, you will not receive justice." Turning to the forthcoming Monsoon session of Parliament, Kharge alleged that the Centre intended to push through measures aimed at strengthening its political position, including the proposed delimitation exercise and the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill.
"They want to introduce the Delimitation Bill. Through delimitation, they want to redraw parliamentary and Assembly constituencies in a manner that suits them so that their government returns to power automatically," Kharge charged.
He alleged that the BJP has already done this in Assam and now it wants to implement it across the country. Congress fought against it once and forced them to withdraw it. The party will fight again, he added.
Kharge also referred to a proposed law under which a Prime Minister, Chief Minister or Minister could face disqualification after spending 30 days in jail, saying the Congress would examine its provisions before taking a stand.
Describing B R Ambedkar as the architect of modern India's democratic framework, Kharge said the Constitution had guaranteed voting rights, education and political representation to Dalits, women and other marginalised communities.
"Babasaheb Ambedkar wrote the destiny of 140 crore Indians. Had he not been there, Dalits would not have secured political rights, education or representation. It is because of him that every Indian has the right to vote," he said.
Kharge urged people to protect the Constitution, warning that democracy, social justice and economic equality would be at risk if constitutional values were weakened.
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He also criticised the BJP-led union government over rising prices, unemployment and what he described as the "weakening" of welfare measures such as the Food Security Act, accusing it of focusing only on elections instead of governance.
"Our goal should be that no poor person goes hungry. Give people work, food and dignity. But the BJP is concerned only about votes. Protect the Constitution because that alone safeguards your rights," he said.
