Did Kharge Really Get Denied the CM Role in 1999?

Bengaluru, July 28 (NationPress) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge recently stirred up a significant controversy by stating that he was unfairly denied the Chief Minister's position in Karnataka back in 1999, despite his diligent efforts. This assertion has ignited a political discussion throughout the state.

In response to Kharge's comments, the Karnataka BJP accused the Gandhi family of persistently obstructing the advancement of Dalit leaders within the Congress party.

While speaking to a crowd in Vijayapura on Sunday, Kharge remarked, "I also became the CLP (Congress Legislature Party) leader and dedicated my efforts to restore the party's power in Karnataka. Eventually, our government was formed, but S.M. Krishna, who had risen in the party only four months earlier, was appointed as Chief Minister."

Reacting to Kharge's statement, the Leader of the Opposition and seasoned BJP figure R. Ashoka on Monday expressed, "From publicly humiliating former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister T. Anjaiah on an airport tarmac to expelling Sitaram Kesari from the Congress office like a criminal, and to denying AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge Ji the CM post in 1999 after years of loyalty — every time a Dalit rises in the Congress party, the Gandhi family ensures their downfall."

"Now, Rahul Gandhi, the current Leader of the Opposition, lectures the nation on 'NYAY' (justice). Is this your version of NYAY, Mr. Rahul Gandhi? Will you start by carrying out a Dalit census within your own party leadership? Or are Dalits merely instruments for election speeches, not for genuine empowerment?" Ashoka questioned.

"The reality is, the Congress High Command has always favored tokenism over true transformation — in euphemism, not empowerment," Ashoka charged.

Kharge had previously stated, "As CLP leader, my efforts were focused on bringing the party to power and ensuring a Congress-led government was established in the state. The party did achieve that goal, but subsequently, the late S.M. Krishna — who had just become KPCC President four months prior — was made Chief Minister. All our efforts seemed in vain."

"I felt disheartened. We worked for five years, yet someone who had been with the party for merely four months was elevated to the CM's position. There have been numerous such instances, but it doesn't seem appropriate to discuss everything on the same day," Kharge added.

S.M. Krishna held the Chief Minister position in Karnataka from 1999 to 2004, while Kharge served as a Minister under him.

Before this, Kharge led the Congress as the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly.