Is Kharge Just a Puppet, Similar to Manmohan Singh?

Bengaluru, June 30 (NationPress) Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi claimed that the Congress party merely appointed Mallikarjun Kharge as its President in name, treating him as a puppet to run the organization.

During a press conference in Hubballi on Monday, Joshi asserted that despite Kharge's title as AICC President, he has been granted only nominal power by the Congress high command.

He pointed out that Kharge's current predicament mirrors that of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

In response to Kharge's recent comment — "Leadership change in the state is in the hands of the high command; we don’t know anything about it" — Joshi remarked that this illustrates the operational dynamics of Congress and indicates that prominent leaders have little influence within the party.

He further stated that the Congress has assigned Kharge the AICC President role for appearances, lacking any substantial authority to make decisions, effectively treating him as a puppet. "In the past, it was Manmohan Singh, and now it's Mallikarjun Kharge — their situations are identical," he commented.

Joshi also accused the Congress party of having corruption ingrained in its culture and suggested that the party leadership is significantly involved in corrupt activities.

He highlighted that several leaders from the party have faced incarceration due to the coal scam and noted that no other administration has been as scandal-ridden as the Congress-led one.

He argued that during the UPA era, the allocation of coal and other mines was managed arbitrarily. "However, following the NDA's rise to power under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the allocation process has become completely transparent. Not even the Prime Minister or the President can interfere, as everything is now governed online," he stated.

He emphasized that the coal scam occurred during the Congress administration, not after the BJP took office.

"The entire world is aware of what transpired during those coal allocations. Today, both foreign and domestic investors involved in energy production appreciate our transparent system," he said.

Joshi also criticized the Congress for failing to meet its pre-election commitments.

"Before assuming power, they vowed that the guarantee money would be credited on the first of each month. They promised 200 units of free electricity for all. What happened to those promises? Let them clarify," Joshi challenged.

He accused Congress MLAs of revealing corruption within their state government.

"They are claiming there's no funding to clear the drains due to impractical guarantee schemes. Home Minister G. Parameshwara himself has conceded that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lacks financial resources for development and must request funds from the Centre.

"Congress MLAs are protesting against their own government. That's why Randeep Surjewala has come to cover up the dissatisfaction among MLAs," Joshi alleged.

On social media, Opposition Leader R. Ashoka mocked Mallikarjun Kharge, saying, "It appears Congress has bestowed upon us yet another ‘accidental’ leader."

"First, it was Manmohan Singh, the PM who had the title but not the authority, who bore the responsibilities but wielded no power. Now it’s Mallikarjun Kharge, the accidental AICC President who openly admits he is unaware of what the 'high command' is contemplating," Ashoka stated.

"Dear Kharge Ji, if you are not the high command, then who is? Rahul Gandhi? Sonia Gandhi? Priyanka Gandhi? Or is it an invisible committee with a single surname?" Ashoka criticized.

In response to speculation about a leadership change in Karnataka, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stated on Monday that predicting the high command’s decisions is impossible, as they are the sole authority in the party.

Kharge reiterated that only the high command can make such decisions. "It is at their discretion. However, no one should create unnecessary issues," he cautioned.