Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, aged 83, addresses rumors of opting out of Lok Sabha polls
- Posted on March 13, 2024
- Politics
- By Arijit Dutta
- 283 Views
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, aged 83, addresses speculation about skipping Lok Sabha elections, citing his age. He emphasizes openness to contesting if urged by party workers. Kharge accuses the BJP of appropriating Congress policies. He asserts commitment to MSP for farmers through proposed legislation.
Image Source -www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com
In
a recent development, Congress
chief Mallikarjun Kharge addressed concerns over his participation in the
upcoming Lok Sabha polls, citing his age as a significant factor. Kharge, who
previously represented Karnataka's Gulbarga in the Lok Sabha from 2009-2014,
expressed doubts about contesting this time.
Speaking
to reporters during a press conference at his residence in New Delhi, Kharge
emphasized his age as he hinted at the possibility of sitting out of the
electoral race. At 83 years old, Kharge pondered the idea of not entering the
fray this time, although he mentioned being open to the suggestion if party
workers insisted.
Addressing expectations that top leaders may withdraw from election races, Kharge stated, "It is false that we are backing out. I am 83 years old; you (journalists) retire at 65. "So I'm 83."
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In
response to concerns regarding the differences between Prime Minister Modi's
and the Congress's promises, Kharge accused the BJP of copying their concepts.
He said that "they stole our guarantee." We began in Karnataka and
won elections there before moving on to Telangana. Modi Saheb is copying our
assurance and claiming 'this is our guarantee'."
Kharge also highlighted his party's initiative in formulating draft rules for the Minimum Support Price (MSP), which they intend to implement upon assuming power. "The guarantee is for MSP. We announced MSP for farmers. We are also making a law to ensure MSP guarantees for their crops, we will legalize it. This is also our guarantee," he affirmed.
