The Congress Party on Tuesday challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to account for his performance in Varanasi, his adopted constituency. General Secretary Jairam Ramesh questioned why the Ganga River has become dirtier despite the allocation of ₹20,000 crore for its cleanup. He also criticized Modi for neglecting eight villages that he had pledged to adopt in 2014. According to a ground report conducted in March 2024, these villages have witnessed no significant improvements in areas such as education, healthcare, and housing. Ramesh highlighted the lack of pucca housing in Domri village, poor road conditions in Nagepur village, and the absence of toilets and water supply in Dalit settlements in Jogapur and Jayapur. He further accused Modi of undermining Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy, specifically by targeting the Sarwa Sewa Sangh, an organization associated with several prominent national figures. Ramesh challenged Modi to clarify whether his admiration for Gandhi was genuine or a mere facade, given his actions against Gandhian institutions. The Congress Party’s critique highlights concerns regarding Modi’s stewardship of Varanasi and his commitment to environmental protection and public welfare.