Congress accuses BJP of undermining poor while invoking religious symbolism

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh launched a sharp critique of the BJP's political approach on Wednesday, contending that the ruling party's invocation of religious imagery contradicts its treatment of economically vulnerable populations. Ramesh alleged that the BJP's political platform reflects neither authentic reverence for Lord Shri Ram nor substantive empathy for India's poor. The opposition leader's remarks suggest growing Congress efforts to challenge what it characterizes as a disconnect between the government's religious messaging and its welfare-oriented policies. The Congress party has increasingly focused on this narrative as part of its broader strategy to question the BJP's governance record ahead of electoral contests. The criticism reflects deepening ideological and political tensions between India's two major political formations over the framing of national values and development priorities.