‘Bakrid mein bachenge’: Kharge on Congress’ PM face for 2024

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, who is fighting the party’s presidential polls, did not give a direct answer to a question about whether he or Rahul Gandhi will be the party’s prime ministerial candidate in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls on Wednesday and gave a bizarre response to describe his situation, saying, “Bakrid mein bachenge toh Muharram mein nachenge”.

“I am contesting the organisational election. There is a saying ‘Bakrid mein bachenge toh Muharram mein nachenge’. First, let these elections get over and let me become president, then we will see,” Kharge said at a press conference held at PCC office here.

Kharge was asked if he or Rahul Gandhi would be the “PM face” in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Kharge, who tendered his resignation as Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha to contest the party’s presidential poll, is facing a challenge from party MP Shashi Tharoor.

Kharge met Congress delegates and appealed to them to vote in his favour. The Congress leader also said he believes in collective leadership.

Kharge said when Gandhi family members did not agree to become president of the party in the presidential elections, he entered the fray on the request of party workers and senior leaders. He promised to implement the party’s Udaipur Declaration.

“The decisions were taken only four months ago. The decisions taken in Chintan Shivir were decided after contemplation. I believe in collective leadership. I will take decisions together with everyone,” he said.