Kharge Slams Modi: ‘Talks More, Works Less’ Compared to Manmohan Singh’s Leadership Style

Updated On: September 27, 2025

Kharge Slams Modi: 'Talks More, Works Less' Compared to Manmohan Singh's Leadership Style

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, contrasting his leadership style with that of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and questioning the BJP government’s actual achievements versus its publicity-driven approach.

In a sharply critical address at the Dr. Manmohan Singh Fellowship Programme function at Congress headquarters, Mallikarjun Kharge delivered one of his most pointed assessments of the Modi government’s performance. The Congress president’s remarks centered on what he characterized as a fundamental difference in leadership approaches between Modi and his predecessor, Manmohan Singh.

The Core Allegation: Style Over Substance

Kharge’s central criticism focused on Modi’s preference for rhetoric over governance. Speaking at the Congress party’s Indira Bhawan headquarters, the veteran politician made a direct comparison that has since become the cornerstone of opposition discourse against the current government.

“He used to talk less and work more. But today’s prime minister talks more and works a little less. Manmohan Singh ji was always present in the House during Parliament sessions. He used to answer questions and respond to the Opposition’s comments as well. Today’s prime minister considers this an insult”

This statement encapsulates what Kharge sees as a declining standards of parliamentary democracy under Modi’s leadership. The Congress president specifically highlighted how Manmohan Singh maintained regular attendance in Parliament and engaged constructively with opposition questions, contrasting this with Modi’s perceived reluctance to face parliamentary scrutiny.

Parliamentary Accountability: A Tale of Two Leaders

Manmohan Singh’s Parliamentary Record

During his tenure as Prime Minister (2004-2014), Dr. Manmohan Singh was known for his consistent parliamentary attendance and willingness to engage with opposition questions. Kharge emphasized that Singh “was always present in the House during Parliament sessions” and actively responded to opposition concerns.

The UPA era under Singh’s leadership was characterized by:

Regular Prime Ministerial presence during Question Hour
Active engagement with opposition queries
Transparent parliamentary discourse
Respect for democratic traditions and institutions

Modi’s Parliamentary Engagement

Kharge’s criticism of Modi’s parliamentary behavior centers on several key observations:

Attendance Concerns: While government sources claim Modi has high parliamentary attendance, opposition leaders consistently raise concerns about his availability for scrutiny. Kharge specifically mentioned that Modi “considers responding to questions raised by the Opposition an insult”.

Unresponsive to Critical Issues: The Congress president cited specific instances where the opposition raised important matters, including:

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar
Halting of Operation Sindoor
Various other policy concerns that allegedly went unanswered

Economic Performance: UPA vs. NDA Comparison

Manmohan Singh’s Economic Legacy

Kharge’s defense of the UPA era focused on several quantifiable achievements during Manmohan Singh’s tenure:

GDP Growth Performance: Under Singh’s leadership, India achieved remarkable economic growth:

Average GDP growth rate of 7.7% during UPA I & II (2004-2014)
Peak growth of 10.03% in 2010-11
Average growth rate exceeding 8.5% during his tenure
Sustained high growth despite global financial crisis of 2007-08

Poverty Alleviation: The UPA government achieved significant success in reducing poverty:

Poverty ratio decreased from 37.2% in 2004 to 21.9% in 2012
Number of poor reduced from 40.71 crore to 26.93 crore
Fastest pace of poverty reduction in India’s history according to Chief Economic Advisor

Infrastructure and Financial Inclusion: Kharge highlighted several foundational initiatives:

Launch of Aadhaar system
Bank account opening for over half of rural households by 2014
Foundation of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system
Digital revolution groundwork

Modi Government’s Economic Challenges

While acknowledging some growth under Modi, Kharge pointed to several concerning trends:

Employment Crisis: Despite promises of creating 2 crore jobs annually, the reality has been starkly different:

Net loss of over 70 lakh jobs between 2016-17 and 2022-23
Unemployment rate rose to 8.1% in April 2024
Current unemployment around 8%, among highest for developing nations
Promise of 2 crore annual jobs remains largely unfulfilled

GDP Growth Concerns: While Modi’s supporters highlight growth figures, critics point to:

GDP growth becoming “habitual of 5-6%” compared to UPA’s 8% average
Economic inequality reaching highest levels in 100 years
Mixed economic performance despite high-profile announcements

Social Welfare Achievements: MGNREGA and Beyond

MGNREGA: A Transformative Rural Employment Program

One of the most significant achievements Kharge highlighted from the UPA era was the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), launched in 2005 under Manmohan Singh’s government.

Quantitative Impact of MGNREGA:

880 crore person-days of work generated since inception
Average of 50 million households employed annually
₹1,10,000 crore distributed directly as wages
52% beneficiaries from SC/ST communities
47% women beneficiaries, promoting gender empowerment

Structural Benefits:

Legal guarantee of 100 days employment per rural household
Unemployment allowance if work not provided within 15 days
Creation of durable rural assets
Women guaranteed 50% participation

Other UPA Social Welfare Initiatives

Kharge also highlighted other significant UPA achievements:

Right to Information Act
Right to Education Act
Food Security Act
Forest Rights Act
₹70,000 crore farmer loan waiver

Democratic Institutions and Governance Style

Institutional Respect vs. Institutional Capture

Kharge’s criticism extends beyond economic performance to fundamental questions about democratic governance and institutional integrity:

UPA’s Approach to Institutions:

Accommodation of opposition in key parliamentary positions
Deputy Speaker post traditionally offered to opposition
Respectful engagement with constitutional bodies
Transparent policy-making processes

Current Government’s Institutional Relations:

Deputy Speaker post vacant for 11 years, breaking parliamentary tradition
Alleged weakening of constitutional institutions
“Politics dominated by show and propaganda”
Democratic institutions under attack according to opposition

Leadership Philosophy: Substance vs. Spectacle

Manmohan Singh’s Governance Approach

Kharge painted Singh as representing a different model of leadership:

Characteristics of Singh’s Leadership:

Quiet, scholarly approach to governance
Focus on policy implementation over publicity
Deep engagement with parliamentary processes
Evidence-based decision making
International respect for economic expertise

“Those who become leaders after studying have more knowledge, they work more. They do not pay much attention to publicity”

Modi’s Leadership Style

Kharge’s critique of Modi’s approach included:

Perceived Priorities:

Emphasis on publicity and image management
Extensive foreign travel (42 countries) while domestic issues persist
Focus on rhetoric over substantive policy delivery
Avoidance of parliamentary accountability

Policy Implementation Concerns:

“Not even 10% of the work done during Singh’s time”
Unfulfilled promises becoming a pattern
Show-driven politics over actual governance

Specific Policy Failures and Unfulfilled Promises

Employment Generation Promises

The promise of 2 crore jobs annually has become a major point of opposition attack:

Original Promise vs. Reality:

Modi’s 2014 promise: 2 crore jobs per year
Actual outcome: Net job losses in many sectors
Current unemployment: Around 8%, among highest globally
Youth unemployment particularly concerning

Government’s Defense Mechanisms:

Use of EPFO data to claim job creation
Including existing worker registrations as “new jobs”
Rozgar Mela initiatives providing limited permanent employment
Contractual employment replacing permanent positions

Agricultural Sector Challenges

Kharge specifically highlighted the deteriorating condition of farmers:

Farmer Distress Indicators:

“700 farmers martyred but no government inquiry”
Persistent agricultural income stagnation
Inadequate MSP implementation
Limited loan waiver compared to UPA’s ₹70,000 crore package

Constitutional and Democratic Concerns

Electoral Integrity Questions

The controversy over Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has become a flashpoint:

Opposition Concerns:

35 lakh voters potentially untraceable
Allegations of systematic voter suppression
Targeting of marginalized communities
Timing suspicious before state elections

Democratic Implications:

Questions about free and fair electoral processes
Burden of proof shifted to individual citizens
Parallels drawn to NRC-CAA concerns
Potential disenfranchisement of legitimate voters

Foreign Policy vs. Domestic Governance

International Travel vs. Domestic Attention

Kharge repeatedly criticized Modi’s extensive international travel while domestic issues remain unaddressed:

Travel Pattern Criticism:

42 countries visited but never to Manipur during crisis
International image building prioritized over domestic problem-solving
“Modi ji, where are you?” during domestic crises
Disconnect between international presence and local governance

Economic Policy Comparison: Reforms vs. Results

1991 Economic Reforms Legacy

Manmohan Singh’s role as architect of India’s 1991 economic liberalization remains his enduring legacy:

Transformative Impact:

Ended balance of payments crisis
Set foundation for sustained economic growth
Opened India to global markets
Created framework for modern Indian economy

Current Economic Management

While Modi government claims economic success, critics point to several concerns:

Structural Issues:

High unemployment despite growth claims
Increasing economic inequality
Public sector decline
Rural distress continuing

Parliamentary Democracy and Opposition Relations

Nehru-Modi Parliamentary Comparison

Kharge has previously drawn comparisons between Nehru’s respectful treatment of opposition and Modi’s allegedly dismissive approach:

Nehru’s Parliamentary Legacy:

Active engagement with opposition questions
Respect for parliamentary traditions
Collaborative approach to governance
Constitutional respect for dissent

Current Parliamentary Dynamics:

Reduced parliamentary debate quality
Opposition concerns about procedural fairness
Questions about government’s willingness to engage
Democratic discourse quality concerns

Social Justice and Inclusive Development

UPA’s Inclusive Growth Model

Kharge emphasized the UPA’s focus on inclusive development:

Social Justice Initiatives:

MGNREGA for rural employment security
Rights-based legislation framework
Focus on marginalized communities
Women’s empowerment through policy

Current Government’s Social Policies

Opposition criticism of current social policies includes:

Concerns Raised:

Public sector erosion
Reduction in social welfare spending
Marginalization of vulnerable groups
Weakening of affirmative action policies

Media Relations and Public Communication

Communication Style Differences

The contrast in communication approaches between the two leaders is stark:

Manmohan Singh’s Approach:

Measured, scholarly communication
Focus on policy substance over style
Limited but meaningful public appearances
Emphasis on institutional channels

Modi’s Communication Strategy:

High-frequency public appearances
Social media prominence
Rally-centric political communication
Image-focused messaging

Future Implications and Democratic Health

Democracy’s Institutional Foundations

Kharge’s criticism extends to concerns about democratic institutional health:

Warning Signs Identified:

Institutional autonomy erosion
Parliamentary tradition breakdown
Opposition space reduction
Constitutional principle challenges

Path Forward for Democratic Governance

The Congress president outlined what he sees as necessary for healthy democracy:

Required Changes:

Restoration of parliamentary respect
Genuine opposition engagement
Policy-focused governance
Constitutional principle adherence

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What specific achievements did Kharge highlight about Manmohan Singh’s tenure?

A: Kharge highlighted several key achievements including an average GDP growth rate of 7.7-8.5%, reduction in poverty from 37.2% to 21.9%, launch of MGNREGA which generated 880 crore person-days of employment, initiation of Aadhaar, financial inclusion with bank accounts for over half of rural households, and major social welfare legislation like Right to Information and Food Security Acts.

Q2: What are the main criticisms Kharge leveled against Modi’s governance style?

A: Kharge’s primary criticisms include Modi’s tendency to “talk more and work less,” avoidance of parliamentary scrutiny, failure to deliver on the promise of 2 crore jobs annually, extensive foreign travel while ignoring domestic crises like Manipur, and prioritizing publicity over substantive policy implementation.

Q3: How does the employment situation compare between UPA and NDA periods?

A: During the UPA era, MGNREGA provided employment to an average of 50 million households annually with 880 crore person-days generated. In contrast, despite Modi’s promise of 2 crore jobs annually, there has been a net loss of over 70 lakh jobs between 2016-17 and 2022-23, with unemployment rising to around 8%.

Q4: What is the controversy surrounding Bihar’s electoral roll revision?

A: The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar’s electoral rolls has become controversial with 35 lakh voters potentially untraceable. Opposition parties allege this is systematic voter suppression targeting marginalized communities, while the Election Commission maintains it’s necessary administrative cleaning of voter lists.

Q5: How do the economic growth rates compare between the two administrations?

A: The UPA government achieved an average GDP growth rate of 7.7% with peak growth of 10.03% in 2010-11. While the Modi government has also achieved significant growth, critics argue it has become “habitual of 5-6%” compared to UPA’s consistent 8% average, with concerns about unemployment and inequality rising.

Q6: What was MGNREGA’s impact on rural India?

A: MGNREGA, launched in 2005, has been transformative for rural India by providing legal guarantee of 100 days employment per household, generating ₹1,10,000 crore in direct wage payments, employing 52% beneficiaries from SC/ST communities and 47% women, while creating durable rural assets.

Q7: How does parliamentary attendance and engagement differ between the two leaders?

A: Kharge emphasized that Manmohan Singh “was always present in the House during Parliament sessions” and actively responded to opposition questions. In contrast, he alleges Modi considers responding to opposition questions “an insult” and has been less accessible for parliamentary scrutiny.

Q8: What are the key unfulfilled promises Kharge highlighted?

A: Major unfulfilled promises include 2 crore jobs annually, doubling farmers’ income, bringing down inflation, ending corruption and terrorism, ₹5 lakh to every citizen, and the broader “Acche Din” promise. Kharge characterized Modi as “Sardar of lies” for these undelivered commitments.