Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, after briefly feeling unwell during a rally in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district on Sunday, made a defiant statement, vowing to continue his lifelong political struggle, particularly for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The 83-year-old veteran politician, known for his steadfast determination, reassured his supporters that despite his advanced age and the brief health scare, he remains resolutely committed to the cause. In a bold and emphatic speech, he declared, “I’m not going to die so soon. I will stay alive until we remove Modi.” This statement underscored Kharge’s strong resolve to challenge the current government and work toward fulfilling his promise of securing statehood for Jammu and Kashmir.
Kharge’s comments resonated deeply with the crowd, as he expressed his unwavering commitment to the people of the region. “We will definitely grant statehood and fight for it, no matter what,” he continued, signaling that his fight for the rights of Jammu and Kashmir’s citizens would not wane. His defiant message was met with applause and cheers, reflecting the support and trust he has garnered among the people. His promise to remain in the political arena and continue his efforts to remove Prime Minister Narendra Modi from power has been seen as both a challenge to the current administration and a rallying cry for Congress supporters.
The incident occurred as Kharge was addressing a public rally in Kathua, a key event in his ongoing campaign to bolster support for the Congress party in the region. He briefly felt dizzy, prompting immediate medical attention. Jammu and Kashmir Congress vice president Ravindra Sharma later explained that Kharge was taken to a private room where doctors examined him. Fortunately, his condition was reported to be stable, and he was provided with medical care on-site. However, doctors were expected to assess whether Kharge would be able to proceed with his second scheduled rally in Ramnagar, Udhampur district.
The Congress president’s appearance in Jammu and Kashmir comes at a critical time, as the party seeks to reconnect with voters and reassert its influence in the region, particularly after the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status in 2019 and the bifurcation of the state into union territories. Kharge’s pledge to restore statehood taps into a sentiment of disenfranchisement among many residents, who have long sought the return of democratic rights and political autonomy. His message during the rally echoed the Congress party’s broader platform of addressing the concerns of the people and restoring what they believe is the rightful political structure of the region.
Kharge’s health episode, although brief, sparked concern among his supporters and party members, but his fiery and passionate speech immediately after the incident demonstrated his resilience and determination. For decades, Kharge has been a stalwart figure in Indian politics, known for his ability to lead with both tenacity and compassion. His promise to "stay alive until we remove Modi" reflects not only his personal resolve but also the Congress party's ambition to mount a serious challenge to the BJP government ahead of the next general elections.
The rally in Kathua was a significant moment in Kharge’s leadership campaign, as the Congress party continues to strategize and mobilize ahead of the upcoming national elections. As a prominent leader, Kharge's influence and ability to energize the party base will be crucial as the Congress attempts to rebuild and challenge the ruling BJP. His presence in Jammu and Kashmir, a region with its own set of unique political dynamics, signals the importance that the Congress is placing on regaining its footing in areas where it has lost ground in recent years.
Kharge’s promise to continue fighting for statehood for Jammu and Kashmir is likely to galvanize supporters who feel disenfranchised by the current administration’s policies. His fiery rhetoric and unwavering commitment have once again positioned him as a central figure in the opposition’s battle against the Modi government. As Kharge recovers from his brief health scare, the political spotlight remains firmly on him, with supporters and critics alike watching closely to see how his leadership will shape the Congress party’s future course.
As the Congress party faces numerous challenges ahead, including the daunting task of winning back voter confidence in key states, Kharge’s leadership and the direction he charts for the party will be critical. His message in Jammu and Kashmir—one of defiance, determination, and commitment to the people—may well be a rallying point for Congress as it seeks to regain its political footing and challenge the ruling government in the next election cycle.
