An influential member of the Indian National Congress (INC) for many years, Mallikarjun Kharge is a political mainstay in India. Kharge was born in Karnataka on July 21, 1942, and his rise from modest beginnings to the position of INC President is remarkable and inspirational.
Early Life and Political Initiation
In 1972, Kharge was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Gurmitkal constituency in the state of Karnataka, marking the beginning of his political career. He served as the MLA for Chittapur from 2008 to 2009 after representing this constituency until 2008 with unrelenting dedication.
Kharge served under several chief ministers during his time in state politics, holding a variety of ministerial posts, including responsibilities like Home and Revenue. Serving as the President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee from 2005 to 2008 and the Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly from 1996 to 1999 further demonstrated his leadership abilities.
Transition to National Politics
Kharge entered and won the Karnataka parliamentary seat of Gulbarga in 2009, marking his entry into national politics. A pivotal period in his political career began with his admission to the Lok Sabha. He held the positions of Minister of Labour and Employment from 2009 to 2013 and Minister of Railways from 2013 to 2014 under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) II administration. Initiatives to modernise railway infrastructure and enhance worker welfare characterised his time in these ministries.
Role as Leader of the Opposition
Kharge was named the Congress party’s leader in the Lok Sabha after the 2014 general elections, in which the INC suffered a crushing defeat. He was well-known in this capacity for his persuasive speeches and unwavering opposition to laws that he felt went against the general welfare. Kharge emphasised the need for accountability and openness while remaining a strong critic of the incumbent government, despite the difficulties of leading a smaller delegation in the parliament.
Setback and Resilience
Kharge had a difficult time at the 2019 general elections after losing the Gulbarga seat, his first electoral setback in his career. Nevertheless, he showed tenacity by winning Karnataka’s seat in the Rajya Sabha in 2020 without facing any opposition. He was then named the Rajya Sabha’s Leader of the Opposition in 2021, where he remained instrumental in raising opposition issues and holding the administration responsible.
Mallikarjun Kharge:Presidency of the Indian National Congress
Kharge became the first non-Gandhi to be elected president of the Indian National Congress in 24 years when he ran for and won the office in October 2022. His appointment was viewed as a step to revitalise the party’s organisational structure and move it closer to internal democracy. Under his leadership, the Congress scored considerable accomplishments,
including creating governments in Himachal Pradesh in 2022 and Telangana in 2023, and entering a coalition in Jharkhand in 2024. The party’s presence in these areas was significantly restored as a result of these victories.
Advocacy and Recent Developments
Mallikarjun Kharge has been a strong supporter of democratic ideals and constitutional values. He accused the central government in December 2024 of engaging in “unconstitutional activities,” which included misusing autonomous bodies and exhibiting poor administration. He called for discussions to clarify governance processes and underlined the significance of respecting the Constitution.
Mallikarjun Kharge voiced concerns in October 2024 on an event in which representatives of Tata Projects, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) unexpectedly entered his Parliamentary chamber. Calling the incursion “highly disrespectful and completely unacceptable,” he called for accountability and steps to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.
In addition, Kharge and other opposition leaders called for an investigation of the Adani Group’s alleged bribery scheme in November 2024 after its chair, Gautam Adani, was indicted in the United States. He emphasised the need for accountability and openness and demanded a thorough parliamentary examination into every facet of the group’s activities.
Legacy and Impact
Mallikarjun Kharge’s political career is evidence of his devotion to democratic principles and public service. The Congress party has benefited much from his leadership in guiding it through difficult times and towards rebirth in a number of states. Kharge, a seasoned politician with extensive experience in both state and national politics, is still a key figure in determining India’s political climate, fighting for the rights of the underprivileged, and defending the Constitution’s tenets.
Kharge’s lasting influence on Indian politics was highlighted in 2023 when Lokmat’s Parliamentary Awards presented him with the Lifetime Achievement Award in appreciation of his services.
Mallikarjun Kharge’s unwavering dedication to democratic principles and his vision for an inclusive society continue to have an impact on the Indian National Congress’s trajectory and the nation’s larger political dialogue as the political landscape in India changes.
