Senior leader Rahul Gandhi shared a lighter moment at the Congress headquarters on Wednesday as he cut his birthday cake. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi and other senior leaders were present during the cake-cutting event. Rahul Gandhi, who turned 54, was greeted by numerous Congress leaders from across the country. The 54th birthday marks a special moment for Rahul, as Congress doubled its tally in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. Rahul Gandhi has instructed party workers to refrain from grand celebrations and rather celebrate the occasion by engaging in humanitarian works.
Tag: Mallikarjun Kharge
-
Kanchanjunga Express accident: Mallikarjun Kharge slams Modi govt, says ‘utter mismanagement’ of railway ministry
NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday slammed the Modi government for “utter mismanagement” of the Railway Ministry as he condoled the loss of lives in the West Bengal train accident. “Extremely distressed by the Kanchanjunga Express train collision accident in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, where many people have lost their lives and several have been injured,” he said.
“The scenes of the accident are painful. Our heart goes out to the families of the victims. In this hour of grief, we express our solidarity and condolences to each one of them. We wish a speedy recovery to the injured. Immediate and full compensation must be provided to the victims,” he demanded.
Kharge alleged that in the past 10 years, the Modi government has indulged in “utter mismanagement” of the Railway Ministry. “As a responsible Opposition, it is our bounden duty to underline how the Modi Government has systematically converted the Rail Ministry into a platform of ‘Camera-driven’ self-promotion,” the Congress chief claimed.
“Today’s tragedy is yet another reminder of this stark reality,” he alleged.
“Make no mistake, we will remain persistent with our questions and shall make the Modi Government accountable for its criminal abandonment of the Indian Railways,” Kharge said. At least 15 people were killed and around 60 others injured after a goods train collided with the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express near Rangapani station in West Bengal on Monday, police said.
-
Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Kharge’s ULTIMATUM To Adhir Ranjan On Mamata: ‘Those Who Won’t Follow, Will Be Out Of The Party’ |
With the election season getting intense everyday, the war of words is leaving many jaws dropped. Garnering a lot of heat is none other than the Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge, who has now given an explosive ultimatum to Adhir Ranjan.
Speaking on the matter, Mallikarjun Kharge said at a press conference in Mumbai, “(West Bengal CM) Mamata Banerjee has said that she will support the INDIA alliance (government) from outside. As far as Congress leader Adhir Ranjan’s remark is concerned, he is no one to decide anything. The top leaders and high command will decide that and those who won’t follow the same will be out of the party.”
VIDEO | Here’s what Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) said responding to a media query.
“(West Bengal CM) Mamata Banerjee has said that she will support the INDIA alliance (government) from outside. As far as Congress leader Adhir Ranjan’s remark is… pic.twitter.com/JjDTMbNMsB
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 18, 2024What did Adhir Ranjan say?
Actually, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had targeted the statement of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in which she had said that if the INDIA alliance forms the government, then TMC will provide external support. On this statement of Mamata Banerjee, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had reacted that, “She left the alliance. She can also join hands with BJP,”
BJP’s Watching
Reacting on the inter-party heat in the Congress camp, the official handle of BJP posted, “It’s high time the West Bengal Pradesh Congress spokespersons stop their pathetic shadowboxing against TMC and start addressing TMC’s endless scams—from recruitment fraud to cattle smuggling—on Bengali TV shows. If not, they face the same fate as Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, ousted and humiliated.”
It’s high time the West Bengal Pradesh Congress spokespersons stop their pathetic shadowboxing against TMC and start addressing TMC’s endless scams—from recruitment fraud to cattle smuggling—on Bengali TV shows. If not, they face the same fate as Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury… pic.twitter.com/8MXoZfnqgt
— BJP West Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) May 18, 2024 -
‘Surprising…’: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge Questions ECI’s Priority In Voter Turnout Row |
New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday asserted that it is surprising to see the Election Commission responding to a letter written by him to the leaders of the INDIA-bloc but choosing to ignore several complaints Kharge raised directly to the ECI.
Earlier, in a letter addressed to the CEC and several election commissioners, Kharge pointed out the electoral committee’s lack of prompt action in addressing the overtly communal and caste-driven remarks made by leaders of the governing party.
Reacting to the letter by the Congress president expressing concerns regarding the delay in disclosing the voter turnout for the two phases of Lok Sabha polls, the Commission said that it is an attempt to promote a prejudiced narrative under the pretext of seeking clarifications.
Kharge responded to the EC’s remark and said that the letter was clearly addressed to the alliance leaders and not the commission.
“It is surprising that the Election Commission of India wanted to respond to this letter while ignoring several other complaints given directly to it. I have certain misgivings about the language of the letter, but I will not press on that issue as I understand the pressures they are working under,” reported PTI, citing Kharge’s letter sent to the EC on Saturday.
He said that while the EC letter says that it respects citizens’ right to inquire, on the other hand, it “threatens citizens in the form of an advice to exercise caution.”
Kharge said, “I am happy that the Commission understands that it has the mandate to conduct smooth, free, and fair elections under the constitution. However, the lack of urgency shown by the Commission in acting against blatantly communal and casteist statements being made by the leaders of the ruling party that vitiate the electoral process seems puzzling,” reported PTI.
In a five-page reply containing several annexures, the election commission dismissed accusations of mismanagement and tardiness in disclosing voter turnout statistics for the initial two phases of the Lok Sabha elections. It labelled Kharge’s allegations as unwarranted,” ” “without facts,” and “reflective of a biased and deliberate attempt to spread confusion”.
In the letter, the Congress leader mentioned that, besides delaying voter turnout, the ECI did not mention several crucial data points, such as votes cast in each parliamentary constituency and their corresponding assembly constituencies.
Opposition leaders on Friday met with senior officials of the Election Commission to address concerns over voter turnout statistics and complaints about the violations of the model code by leaders of the ruling party.
-
ECI Rebukes Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge For Allegations On Voter Turnout Data |
New Delhi: The Election Commission of India issued a strongly worded rebuke to Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of the Congress party, on Friday. The ECI criticized Kharge’s remarks about the release of voter turnout data, calling them inaccurate and biased. Commission said that the statements were deliberately intended to sow confusion, misguide, and create obstacles to the smooth conduct of impartial elections.
ECI stated that it finds a ‘pattern’ in a series of past and present irresponsible statements from INC and calls it ‘disconcerting”. The commission said, with all facts in place, the Congress President is attempting to push a biased narrative.
It said that the ECI was determined “to act against developments which have a direct impact on the delivery of its core mandate.” The commission takes cognizance of Kharge’s letter addressed to leaders of INDI alliance on voter turnout data, and finds it highly undesirable. The commission categorically rejected Kharge’s contentions, calling them insinuations and innuendos.
The ECI asserted that no lapse or deviation in the collection and dissemination of voter turnout data; pilots all past and present procedures and practices; and provided point-by-point counters to reject Kharge’s contentions.
The commission also refuted any delay in giving turnout data and pointed out that updated Turnout data has been always higher than the poll day. The commission provided a factual matrix from the 2019 general election onwards.
ECI especially condemned with contempt Kharge’s statement, “Could this be an attempt to doctor the final results”, and said, it can create an anarchic situation, besides doubts and disharmony
On May 7, Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to the leaders of the INDIA bloc over the alleged discrepancies in the voting data released by the Election Commission (EC).
In his letter, Kharge urged the INDIA bloc leaders to raise their voices against voting data discrepancies, for “our only objective is to protect the culture of a vibrant democracy and the Constitution”. The Congress president alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party are ‘visibly flustered’ and ‘frustrated’ by the voting trends and their receding electoral fortunes in the first two phases.“In this context, I would urge all of you that we must collectively, unitedly and unequivocally raise our voice against such discrepancies, for our only objective is to protect the culture of a vibrant democracy and the Constitution. Let us ensure the independence of the Election Commission of India and make it accountable. Let us ensure the independence of the Election Commission of India and make it accountable.,” the letter read.
-
Congress appoints Devender Yadav as interim chief of Delhi unit
The Congress on Tuesday appointed Devender Yadav as the interim president of the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee. The move comes two days after Arvinder Singh Lovely resigned from the post, criticising the party’s alliance with AAP and statements of the party’s candidates in the national capital. Party President Mallikarjun Kharge has appointed Yadav as the interim president of the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) with immediate effect, the party said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Yadav will continue in his role as AICC In-charge for Punjab, the statement added. In his resignation letter sent to the Congress president on Saturday, Lovely had said that he found himself “handicapped” as all unanimous decisions taken by senior Delhi unit leaders have been “unilaterally vetoed” by AICC Delhi in-charge Deepak Babaria. AllUttar PradeshMaharashtraTamil NaduWest BengalBiharKarnatakaAndhra PradeshTelanganaKeralaMadhya PradeshRajasthanDelhiOther States The Delhi Congress unit was against the alliance with AAP but the party high command went ahead with it, Lovely had said as his resignation brought to the fore the party’s factional feud.
-
`He Has Nothing To Say….`: Kharge Slams Modi For Criticizing Congress
Mallikarjun Kharge said that PM Modi should talk about his own concrete work instead of always criticizing Congress.
-
‘You Will Always Remain A Hero’: Congress As Manmohan Singh Retires From Rajya Sabha |
New Delhi: In a poignant farewell gesture, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge penned a heartfelt letter to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, marking his retirement from the Rajya Sabha. In the two-page missive, Kharge reflected on Singh’s remarkable three-decade-long tenure, acknowledging the ”end of an era” in Indian politics. Kharge reminisced about Singh’s global recognition, citing President Obama’s open acknowledgement of the former Prime Minister’s influential voice on the world stage. He expressed personal gratitude for Singh’s counsel and wisdom during his own leadership roles within the Congress Party, praising Singh’s unwavering commitment despite personal challenges.
In his two-page letter to the former PM, the Congress chief said, “After having served for more than three decades, an era has come to an end.” “I remember President Obama mentioning about you that Whenever the Indian Prime Minister speaks, the whole world listens to him,” Kharge said in the post.
“Personally, it has been a privilege for me to have been a part of your cabinet. Over the last 10 years, while I have been the leader of the Congress Party in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, you have always been a source of wisdom and someone whose advice I valued. Over the last few years, you have made it a point to be available for the Congress party despite personal inconveniences. For this, the party and I will always remain grateful,” Kharge wrote.
My letter to Former Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh ji as he retires from Rajya Sabha, today.
As you retire today from the Rajya Sabha after having served for more than three decades, an era comes to an end. Very few people can say they have served our nation with more… pic.twitter.com/jSgfwp4cPQ
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) April 2, 2024
Manmohan Singh’s Legacy
Singh’s departure leaves a void characterized by his quiet yet profound dignity, which Kharge believes the current political landscape sorely lacks. He lauded Singh’s statesmanship, contrasting it with the divisive rhetoric prevalent today.
The letter highlighted Singh’s principled critique of policies such as demonetization, emphasizing his ability to dissent with grace and substance. Kharge expressed confidence that history would vindicate Singh’s stance, likening the truth to celestial bodies that cannot be obscured indefinitely.
A Hero To Middle-Class
Describing Singh as a hero to various segments of society, Kharge lauded his role in uplifting the middle class, inspiring the youth, and guiding industrialists and entrepreneurs. He credited Singh’s economic policies with lifting millions out of poverty, contrasting this with perceived reluctance by the current regime to acknowledge his contributions.
Impact Of His Policies On Public
Kharge praised Singh’s tenure as Finance Minister and Prime Minister, citing achievements such as poverty alleviation and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). He credited Singh with enacting policies that empowered rural communities and ensured dignified livelihoods during crises. “Thanks to your policies, India was able to lift 27 crore people, the highest number of poor people out of poverty in the world while you were the Prime Minister. The MGNREGA scheme…continues to provide relief to the rural workers during times of crisis. The nation and particularly the rural poor will always remember you for ensuring that they can earn a living and live with self-respect through this scheme,” he said.
Despite retiring from active politics, Kharge expressed hope that Singh would remain a beacon of wisdom and moral guidance for the nation. He wished Singh peace, health, and happiness in his future endeavours, underlining his enduring importance as a voice of reason in Indian discourse. “Over the last few years, you have made it a point to be available for the Congress party despite personal inconveniences. For this, the party and I will always remain grateful,” he said. Kharge further wrote even as you retire from active politics, I hope that you will continue to be the voice of wisdom and moral compass to the nation by speaking to the citizens of our country as often as possible. I wish you peace, health and happiness.
-
Manmohan Singh, the hero of India’s economic liberalisation, bids adieu to Rajya Sabha after three decades
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (91) bid adieu to the Rajya Sabha today, marking the end of his remarkable three-decade-long tenure.
AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge paid tribute to Singh’s dedicated service, expressing admiration for his unwavering commitment to the nation. Kharge in a post on X wrote, “As you retire today from the Rajya Sabha after having served for more than three decades, an era comes to an end. Very few people can say they have served our nation with more dedication and more devotion than you. Very few people have accomplished as much as you for the nation and its people.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi some time back had also lauded his role as a member of the upper house and said his contributions would never be forgotten. Modi also said that Singh sometimes came to vote while being on a wheelchair, and that he did to strengthen democracy.Singh, who first entered the Rajya Sabha in 1991, served multiple terms and faced a brief hiatus in 2019 before being re-elected from Rajasthan. He held the position of Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha from 1998 to 2004.
Manmohan Singh’s journey as a Rajya Sabha member began in 1991 following his tenure as the Finance Minister in the Rao government. He secured re-election in 1995, 2001, 2007, and 2013. Despite an unsuccessful attempt in the 1999 Lok Sabha elections from South Delhi, where he was defeated by BJP’s Vijay Kumar Malhotra, Singh maintained his presence in the Rajya Sabha.
Representing Assam for five consecutive terms from October 1, 1991, to June 14, 2019, Singh later resumed his tenure in the House from Rajasthan. Since August 20, 2019, he has represented Rajasthan, with his current term slated to conclude on April 3, 2024. During his tenure, Singh served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha from March 21, 1998, to May 21, 2004. He has often been accused by the BJP for running a government that was marred by corruption. The party had also termed “MaunMohan Singh”, alleging he did not speak out against corrupt leaders in his cabinet. Singh had, however, hoped that “to me than the contemporary media, or for that matter, the opposition parties in Parliament”.Of late, he has has not been keeping good health and has often been seen attending the Rajya Sabha proceedings, especially during crucial voting, on a wheelchair.