Will seek Gandhi family advice whenever required, if elected: Kharge on AICC president | India News
BENGALURU: AICC president post frontrunner and senior Congressman Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday said he has no qualms in admitting that he will seek the advice of the Gandhi family for strengthening the Congress party, wherever and whenever required.
Addressing the media, a day ahead of the AICC presidential elections which is scheduled on October 17, Kharge said his intent of standing in the fray was encouraged only because none from the Gandhi family were going to contest.
He, however, dismissed the speculations that if Kharge wins then he will be a Gandhis remote control in the party.
“People talk about a lot of things, as there are no other issues to speak about. The BJP tries to float these theories and other latch on to it. But let me make it clear that I will seek the advice of the Gandhis whenever and wherever it is required as the family has sacrificed a lot for this country. They know every nook and corner of this organisation and I have a lot to learn from them,” said the 80 year old veteran, who has spent 55 years in the party.
Kharge said he always believed in collective leadership and said, if he wins, then he will need the support of every party leader and cadre in the task of strengthening the organisation.
“A lot of people felt that since I was part of the cabinet (union minister in 2009) I may stick on to them (Gandhis). But once I assured the senior leaders who proposed my name that my priority is the Congress organisation they were convinced,” he said.
On his opponent, Shashi Tharoor and his accusations of a “skewed” playing field and having little access to delegates, Kharge said his opponent was free to have his opinion.
“I delegate my work to my election managers who carry out the work of contacting the delegates and voters. However, I will not comment any further on the issue or against my opponent. It is an internal friendly fight,” he said.
The Rajya Sabha opposition leader will be casting his ballot on Monday at Bengaluru along with the KPCC delegates, which are close to 470 members.
RG to cast ballot at Ballari camp
Former AICC president Rahul Gandhi will be casting his ballot for the AICC president elections at the Ballari campsite where he will be staying the night for the Bharat Jodo Yatra.
The Padayatra, which entered Andhra Pradesh on Sunday, will see a break of one day for the AICC polls on October 17.
As many as 43 delegates, who are eligible to cast their ballot in the elections, will be voting at the campsite with arrangements being made for the specific purpose. The voting is by way of a secret ballot.
Addressing the media, a day ahead of the AICC presidential elections which is scheduled on October 17, Kharge said his intent of standing in the fray was encouraged only because none from the Gandhi family were going to contest.
He, however, dismissed the speculations that if Kharge wins then he will be a Gandhis remote control in the party.
“People talk about a lot of things, as there are no other issues to speak about. The BJP tries to float these theories and other latch on to it. But let me make it clear that I will seek the advice of the Gandhis whenever and wherever it is required as the family has sacrificed a lot for this country. They know every nook and corner of this organisation and I have a lot to learn from them,” said the 80 year old veteran, who has spent 55 years in the party.
Kharge said he always believed in collective leadership and said, if he wins, then he will need the support of every party leader and cadre in the task of strengthening the organisation.
“A lot of people felt that since I was part of the cabinet (union minister in 2009) I may stick on to them (Gandhis). But once I assured the senior leaders who proposed my name that my priority is the Congress organisation they were convinced,” he said.
On his opponent, Shashi Tharoor and his accusations of a “skewed” playing field and having little access to delegates, Kharge said his opponent was free to have his opinion.
“I delegate my work to my election managers who carry out the work of contacting the delegates and voters. However, I will not comment any further on the issue or against my opponent. It is an internal friendly fight,” he said.
The Rajya Sabha opposition leader will be casting his ballot on Monday at Bengaluru along with the KPCC delegates, which are close to 470 members.
RG to cast ballot at Ballari camp
Former AICC president Rahul Gandhi will be casting his ballot for the AICC president elections at the Ballari campsite where he will be staying the night for the Bharat Jodo Yatra.
The Padayatra, which entered Andhra Pradesh on Sunday, will see a break of one day for the AICC polls on October 17.
As many as 43 delegates, who are eligible to cast their ballot in the elections, will be voting at the campsite with arrangements being made for the specific purpose. The voting is by way of a secret ballot.
