NEW DELHI: In a direct response to the central government’s plan to present a ‘White Paper’ during the ongoing budget session of Parliament, the Congress party released its own ‘Black Paper’ on Thursday. The ‘Black Paper’ focuses on highlighting the purported ‘failures’ of the government in areas such as unemployment, price rise, and farmers’ distress.
During a press briefing, Mallikarjun Kharge, the chief of the Congress party, emphasized the party’s concerns regarding unemployment, which they claim the BJP government seldom addresses. He also raised the issue of discrimination against non-BJP states such as Kerala, Karnataka, and Telangana.
The central government had originally announced its intention to compare the economic performance of the Congress-led UPA government’s 10-year tenure with that of the BJP-led NDA government’s 10-year rule in a ‘White Paper’ as part of the union budget presented on February 1.
The ‘Black Paper’ serves as the Congress party’s counterattack, aiming to counter the central government’s narrative by shedding light on what the party deems as its failures in crucial areas affecting the Indian population.
While the release of the ‘White Paper’ was intended to provide an assessment of the economic performance of both governments, the ‘Black Paper’ raises concerns regarding unemployment and underscores alleged discrimination against certain states. It is evident that the Congress party aims to steer the narrative in a different direction and refocus public attention on issues they believe have been neglected by the ruling party.
The ‘Black Paper’ puts the spotlight on the pressing issue of unemployment, a matter that has been a cause of concern for many citizens. By releasing this document, the Congress party hopes to bring the government’s attention to the need for effective policies and interventions to address this critical issue.
Additionally, the Congress party’s claim of discrimination against non-BJP states like Kerala, Karnataka, and Telangana further fuels the ongoing political debate. Accusing the ruling party of exhibiting favoritism towards certain states while neglecting others, the Congress party endeavors to appeal to a broader audience and mobilize support.
As the budget session of Parliament continues, the ‘Black Paper’ adds a new dimension to the political discourse, with the Congress party attempting to bring attention to what they perceive as the government’s shortcomings. The document serves as a tool to challenge the central government’s ‘White Paper’ and redirect public attention towards pertinent issues affecting the nation.
With both the central government and the Congress party presenting their own perspectives on the economic performance of past governments, it remains to be seen how these contrasting narratives will shape public opinion in the coming days. As the budget session unfolds, the release of the ‘Black Paper’ is sure to spark further discussions and debates among policymakers, experts, and citizens alike.