Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday accused the BJP government of weakening the constitutional institutions everyday and of having no faith in their autonomy.

Replying to the motion of thanks to the President’s address, he said the address seemed a compilation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speeches at rallies. “The Constitution guarantees equal rights to every citizen, but the BJP government doesn’t have faith in the constitutional institutions. Everyday an attempt is made to take away their autonomy,” he said.

Mr. Kharge alleged that the BJP came to power in 2014 by “misleading” the people. He said demonetisation and the Goods and Services Tax had affected farmers, workers and small businesses. He demanded a joint parliamentary panel probe into the Rafale jet deal and made a fresh pitch for the passage of the women’s reservation Bill.

“The use of the President’s address for political gains shows how low this government can stoop to save its reputation,” he said.

The day the government introduced the Bill to create 10% reservation for the poor in the general category, a government reply to a question in the Lok Sabha maintained that there was no plan for such a quota. “This government is not working according to the Constitution. Issues are not being discussed in the Cabinet. Whatever Modiji says, that happens,” Mr. Kharge said.

He listed the achievements of the past Congress governments: reduction in illiteracy and infant mortality; an increase in life expectancy; the Green Revolution; the White Revolution; and an improvement in the living standards. “At least give us the credit for our work. But you won’t because you are full of hatred. Despite our work, you allege now and then that nothing has happened in the past 60 years,” he said, as his remarks evoked a smile from the Prime Minister.