Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has dismissed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's anti-corruption rhetoric as "hollow," emphasizing that the opposition remains united despite recent shifts in alliances. Ramesh highlighted that despite Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's change in stance and Mamata Banerjee's independent decisions, the INDIA bloc, comprising various opposition parties, remains intact and focused on ousting the BJP from power in the upcoming elections.

Ramesh criticized the electoral bonds scheme, linking it to alleged quid pro quo arrangements between BJP MPs and companies securing contracts. He argued that the BJP's anti-corruption narrative, using cases like Arvind Kejriwal's and Hemant Soren's, is misleading given the evidence of corruption within the electoral bonds system.

Regarding opposition unity, Ramesh acknowledged recent developments but affirmed that the coalition is strong and will surpass the halfway mark of 272 seats in the elections. He clarified that despite Nitish Kumar's departure from the INDIA bloc, the alliance with parties like the Aam Aadmi Party, NCP, Shiv Sena, DMK, JMM, CPM, CPI, and others remains firm in various states.

Addressing speculation about Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contesting from Amethi and Rae Bareli, respectively, Ramesh noted Rahul's willingness to follow the party's decision, emphasizing his leadership role and efforts to energize the Congress through initiatives like the Bharat Jodo Yatras.

Ramesh dismissed suggestions of reluctance among senior Congress leaders to contest the Lok Sabha polls, stating that all leaders are committed to the election process. He praised Rahul Gandhi's leadership and the impact of the Bharat Jodo Yatras in revitalizing the party and garnering support from across the country.

On the BJP's Ram temple issue, Ramesh indicated a nuanced approach, stating that there is no singular strategy but rather a need for multifaceted responses. He concluded by reaffirming the opposition's readiness for the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls, scheduled between April 19 and June 1, with results expected on June 4.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has dismissed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's anti-corruption rhetoric as "hollow," emphasizing that the opposition remains united despite recent shifts in alliances. Ramesh highlighted that despite Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's change in stance and Mamata Banerjee's independent decisions, the INDIA bloc, comprising various opposition parties, remains intact and focused on ousting the BJP from power in the upcoming elections.

Ramesh criticized the electoral bonds scheme, linking it to alleged quid pro quo arrangements between BJP MPs and companies securing contracts. He argued that the BJP's anti-corruption narrative, using cases like Arvind Kejriwal's and Hemant Soren's, is misleading given the evidence of corruption within the electoral bonds system.

Regarding opposition unity, Ramesh acknowledged recent developments but affirmed that the coalition is strong and will surpass the halfway mark of 272 seats in the elections. He clarified that despite Nitish Kumar's departure from the INDIA bloc, the alliance with parties like the Aam Aadmi Party, NCP, Shiv Sena, DMK, JMM, CPM, CPI, and others remains firm in various states.

Addressing speculation about Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contesting from Amethi and Rae Bareli, respectively, Ramesh noted Rahul's willingness to follow the party's decision, emphasizing his leadership role and efforts to energize the Congress through initiatives like the Bharat Jodo Yatras.

Ramesh dismissed suggestions of reluctance among senior Congress leaders to contest the Lok Sabha polls, stating that all leaders are committed to the election process. He praised Rahul Gandhi's leadership and the impact of the Bharat Jodo Yatras in revitalizing the party and garnering support from across the country.

On the BJP's Ram temple issue, Ramesh indicated a nuanced approach, stating that there is no singular strategy but rather a need for multifaceted responses. He concluded by reaffirming the opposition's readiness for the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls, scheduled between April 19 and June 1, with results expected on June 4.