Sonia Gandhi Releases Commemorative Book on Mallikarjun Kharge, Spotlights Opposition Cohesion in the Face of BJP Dominance
Turning Pages of Political Engagement: Sonia Gandhi's Book Release Event Sheds Light on Kharge's Leadership and Amplifies Opposition's Call for Alliance Revival
29-11-2023 : The launch event of the felicitation volume commemorating Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s 50-year political journey turned into a significant occasion for opposition leaders to underscore the imperative of unity. Held in New Delhi, the event saw former Congress president Sonia Gandhi unveiling the book titled ‘Mallikarjun Kharge – Political Engagement with Compassion, Justice, and Inclusive Development.’
The gathering included not only Kharge’s party colleagues but also prominent figures from the INDIA alliance, such as CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, DMK’s T.R. Baalu, and RJD’s Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha. The leaders acknowledged the relative dormancy of the INDIA group during recent Assembly elections, attributing it to the Congress’s preoccupation with direct contests against the BJP.
However, with the culmination of the election campaign, the book launch function symbolized a shift in the Congress’s focus toward national politics. Opposition leaders present at the event seized the opportunity to redirect attention to the importance of reviving the INDIA initiative.
Addressing the gathering, Yechury acknowledged that talks with the Congress on seat-sharing did not yield positive results but commended Kharge for his honesty in communicating his party’s constraints on the matter. Yechury emphasized Kharge’s role as a pivotal opposition leader responsible for fostering collaboration in the lead-up to the Lok Sabha elections.
Baalu lauded Kharge’s maturity in carrying out public duties and highlighted the crucial role of the Congress president in maintaining opposition cohesion. RJD’s Jha conveyed messages from RJD leaders Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav, affirming their commitment to the INDIA alliance under Kharge’s leadership.
Sonia Gandhi described Kharge as a towering figure leading the Congress at a critical juncture. Recognizing him as a strong organizational leader, she expressed confidence in his ability to lead the Congress’s battle for India’s soul.
Kharge, in his remarks, alluded to the ongoing struggle with the BJP, stressing the peril to the Constitution and parliamentary democracy. He expressed hope that political parties would resolve differences and unite boldly.
The book, edited by Sukhadeo Thorat and Chetan Shinde, comprises write-ups by leaders from diverse political backgrounds, reflecting on Kharge’s impactful political journey.
