Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday took charge as the first non-Gandhi president of the Congress party in nearly two and a half decades. Kharge defeated party MP Shashi Tharoor by a big number and secured the top post at the presidential election. The presidential election was held last week.
Earlier on Wednesday morning, Kharge visited Rajghat in Delhi to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. He also paid a visit to former prime minister Manmohan Singh at his residence.
Paid my humble tributes to Bapu, Nehru Ji, Shastri Ji, Babu Ji, Indira Ji and Rajiv Ji before taking charge as the @INCIndia President today.
We must always remember their vision of a sovereign secular democratic republic and devote our lives to realise the India of their dreams pic.twitter.com/TIicE24hkL
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) October 26, 2022
Addressing party workers as the congress president for the first time, Kharge said, “It’s an emotional moment for me as the son of a labourer, a common Congress worker, has taken over as chief of the Congress party. I thank you all for this honour. I started this journey in 1969 as a block committee chief today you have taken it to such heights. It’s my privilege and pride to take forward the legacy of Congress, a party which has been guided by the likes of Mahatama Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.”
It is a great honour and privilege to be elected as Congress President.
I pledge to work harder than ever, listen to the voice of every karyakarta & build leadership at all levels of the party.
Together, we will overcome & win this battle to save India's democracy & constitution. pic.twitter.com/z3P4uyP4Qk— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) October 26, 2022
“As president, it will be my utmost duty to look after our workers. Together, we will build an India that will be enlightened, empowered and equal for every citizen. We will uphold the Constitution of this country, respect everyone’s rights and give equal opportunities, defeat those who spread hate, and fight inflation, unemployment and hunger,” the party president added.
Speaking about the upcoming elections in Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat, Kharge said that people want change in these states. “We will have to show our party’s strength in these elections. If we all work hard and with dedication we will achieve success. We are the soldiers of Mahatma Gandhi, we are not scared of anyone. When a Congress worker will get rid of his fear, then even the biggest of kingdoms will be defeated.”
Former president Sonia Gandhi said, “Congress presidency was a huge responsibility. I tried to discharge my duties with sincerity. I extend my heartiest congratulations to the newly elected president Mallikarjun Kharge. Change is the rule of the world. Congress had faced a lot of difficulties earlier as well. But I’m sure we will overcome the problems.”
After Kharge took charge, all members of the Congress Working Committee and general secretaries and in-charges of the AICC tendered their resignation to the party president.