Who is the rotten mango in Congress?
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Synopsis
In a heated exchange, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla challenges Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s remarks about underperforming leaders being compared to 'bad mangoes.' With Kharge calling for action against non-performing members, Poonawalla seeks clarity on who qualifies as the 'rotten mango' in Congress.
Key Takeaways
- Kharge’s remarks indicate a push for accountability within Congress.
- Poonawalla’s challenge points to ongoing leadership issues in the party.
- High Court ruling emphasizes judicial perspective on political allegations.
New Delhi, Sep 11 (NationPress) In response to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's statement that equated underperforming leaders to 'bad mangoes', BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla raised a critical question: 'Who is the rotten mango in Congress?'
During the inaugural training camp for District Congress Presidents in Junagadh on Wednesday, Kharge stressed the necessity of 'removing bad mangoes before the entire box is rotten.'
This comment underscored the party's recent position on dismissing 'compromised' and 'non-performing' leaders, referencing an internal report indicating that 19 out of 41 city and district Congress units in Gujarat were underperforming.
Kharge urged party members to fortify the organization at grassroots and booth levels, emphasizing the significance of discipline, dedication, and ideological commitment, alongside adapting to evolving times to 'save democracy.'
In his reaction, Poonawalla remarked to IANS, 'Sometimes, Kharge tells the truth. He stated that non-performing Congress leaders are akin to rotten mangoes that will spoil the whole box. But it will be intriguing to see -- who is the rotten mango? What's the criteria? If someone loses 99 elections, are they considered rotten?'
Poonawalla also recalled previous comments from Rahul Gandhi, stating, 'Earlier, Rahul Gandhi compared Congress leaders to horses -- a wedding horse, a race horse, and unfit horses. Who were those remarks aimed at? Kharge should clarify. However, yes, he spoke the truth this time. I just hope Congress doesn’t penalize him for this.'
He also commented on the Madras High Court's dismissal of a PIL that sought the Election Commission's response regarding Rahul Gandhi’s vote fraud allegations, which resulted in a fine imposed on the petitioner.
Poonawalla stated, 'Rahul Gandhi is the ‘Pinocchio’ of Indian politics. He has turned the role of Leader of Opposition into Leader of Propaganda. His constant lies -- whether it's about Maharashtra, where the Supreme Court and High Court rebuked him, or in Haryana, where even Kumari Selja denied any vote theft -- are unacceptable.'
He added, 'His latest PowerPoint presentation was merely another gimmick. He practices ‘hit and run’ politics -- or more accurately, ‘spit and run.’ After alleging vote theft in Bihar, Maharashtra, and now the Vice-Presidential election, it's not vote theft, it's truth theft. It's time for him to stop.'
Point of View
It is essential to approach this discussion with a balanced perspective. The exchange between Kharge and Poonawalla highlights internal strife within the Congress party regarding leadership effectiveness. While Kharge's remarks suggest a desire for reform, Poonawalla’s questioning underscores the ongoing battle for accountability in political leadership. The implications for both parties are significant as they navigate public perception and party unity.
NationPress
13/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Kharge mean by 'bad mangoes'?
Kharge used the term 'bad mangoes' to refer to underperforming leaders within the Congress party, emphasizing the need for reform.
Who is Shehzad Poonawalla?
Shehzad Poonawalla is a spokesperson for the BJP, known for his critical remarks towards opposition parties.
What is the significance of the Madras High Court's ruling?
The court dismissed a PIL seeking a response from the Election Commission regarding Rahul Gandhi's vote fraud allegations, highlighting the judiciary's stance on election integrity.
