Mallikarjun Kharge
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has recently made headlines after experiencing a health scare during a public rally in Jammu and Kashmir. The 82-year-old veteran politician, known for his resilience and commitment to the party, felt unwell while addressing a crowd in Kathua on Sunday, 29th September 2024. Despite his discomfort, Kharge powered through his speech, asserting his determination to remove Prime Minister Narendra Modi from power, a statement that drew both attention and concern.
Health Incident at the Jammu & Kashmir Rally
While delivering his speech in the midst of intense heat, Kharge began to show signs of physical strain, feeling lightheaded and suffering from low blood pressure. Congress leaders quickly provided assistance, and after a brief pause and medical attention, Kharge completed his address. His son, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, later confirmed on social media that the Congress President had stabilised after receiving medical care, expressing gratitude for the well-wishers' concern.
Kharge's health issue occurred while he was campaigning in support of the Congress party's candidates for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. His words, "I will stay alive until PM Modi is removed from power," encapsulated the fiery rhetoric that has been a hallmark of his leadership as he criticised the current administration's policies, particularly concerning unemployment and governance in the region.
A Political Statement Despite Adversity
Kharge's rally in Kathua was part of a broader strategy aimed at mobilising voters in Jammu and Kashmir, where assembly elections are a significant political battleground. During his speech, he focused on local issues such as unemployment, alleging that 65% of government positions in Jammu and Kashmir remain vacant while non-local candidates fill a significant number of posts. These remarks were directed at energising the local population and emphasising the Congress party's promise to restore statehood and address the unemployment crisis.
Kharge’s criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government extended beyond employment issues. He accused Modi of failing the youth of India, stating that the unemployment rate had reached its highest point in the last 45 years. His comments reflected the Congress party’s ongoing efforts to challenge the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on economic and social issues ahead of the upcoming general elections.
