Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge experienced a health scare during a rally in the Jasrota region of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district on September 29, 2024. While addressing the public as part of the Congress party’s campaign for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, Kharge felt dizzy and had to pause his speech. The 83-year-old politician was visibly struggling with the heat and exertion but insisted on finishing his address before being attended to by medical professionals.
Kharge had traveled to the region to rally support for Congress candidates ahead of the final phase of the assembly elections. His speech was cut short after he showed signs of unease, with party leaders rushing to assist him. He was taken to a nearby room where doctors checked on him, and they confirmed that his condition was stable. He was later diagnosed with low blood pressure, and Congress leaders confirmed that the heat contributed to his discomfort.
Despite this, Kharge remained defiant in his commitment to the campaign. In a powerful statement after his recovery, he quipped, “I will stay alive till PM Modi is removed from power,” underscoring his political resolve. Kharge’s health scare has not deterred him from his goal of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, a core issue of the Congress campaign in the region.
Kharge’s son, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, later provided an update, reassuring the public that his father’s condition had improved and that he would soon resume his duties. “Apart from slightly low blood pressure, he is doing well,” Priyank Kharge tweeted, thanking supporters for their concern.
Kharge was initially scheduled to attend another rally in Ramnagar, Udhampur, later that day, but his participation remained uncertain following the health incident. Congress leader Thakur Balbir Singh explained that Kharge had completed his speech despite feeling suffocated, which he attributed to the intense heat in the region. Singh added that Kharge would rest before deciding on attending the Ramnagar rally.
This incident follows Kharge’s previous health concerns, having skipped rallies in Haryana earlier due to being advised rest. However, his dedication to his party’s mission remains strong, with a focus on winning the upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir and addressing the key issue of statehood restoration.
The final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections is scheduled for October 1, 2024, with results to be announced on October 8. Kharge’s commitment to the cause, even in the face of health challenges, reflects his determination to see through the party’s campaign and deliver on its promises to the people of the region.
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The elections mark a significant political moment for Jammu and Kashmir, as they are the first assembly elections in over a decade, with tensions running high and the focus on key issues such as statehood, security, and governance.
Kharge’s momentary health setback has garnered widespread attention, with many noting his unwavering political resolve despite the physical toll of the campaign trail.
