BJP Mocks Mallikarjun Kharge’s Missed CM Chance, Accuses Congress of Tokenism Over Transformation

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, during a recent speech in Vijayapura, Karnataka, publicly reflected on his disappointment over not being appointed Chief Minister after the Congress’s victory in the 1999 Assembly elections.

His remarks have reignited discussions within the party on leadership representation and Dalit inclusion.

Kharge Reflects on 1999 Disappointment

Speaking at an event attended by the head of the Belimatha Mahasamsthana (Beli Mutt), Kharge recalled his political journey and the events leading up to the 1999 state polls.

“I became Congress Legislature Party Leader and tried my best and our party came to power. However, SM Krishna, who joined us just four months ago, was made the Chief Minister,” he said.

Kharge added that all his hard work seemed wasted. “I had worked hard for 5 years. You should never have greed in your heart, if you do then you won’t get what you want,” he noted.

Emphasising his rise from a block president to the AICC president, Kharge stressed that he had never pursued power; instead, it came to him naturally.

No Comments from State Leaders

State Minister HK Patil declined to comment on Kharge’s remarks, stating he had not heard the speech. However, he did highlight his own role in the opposition.

“I was also a leader of the opposition. He was the leader of the opposition in the Assembly. I was the leader of the opposition in the Legislative Council three times. We just do our service,” he said.

SM Krishna assumed the Chief Minister post in October 1999 after the Congress won a majority in the Karnataka Assembly elections.

As the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president, Krishna had led the party’s successful campaign. The Congress secured 132 out of 224 seats, allowing Krishna to serve as CM until May 2004.

Kharge’s Regret Triggers New Debate

Kharge’s public expression of regret over missing the top post has sparked internal debate over leadership representation in the Congress party, especially regarding Dalit leadership.

The speech has prompted renewed calls for a Dalit CM within the party.

Addressing the event, Kharge reiterated, “……as CLP leader I tried to bring the party to power (ahead of 1999 polls). The party formed the government and S M Krishna became the Chief Minister. He had come (as KPCC President) four months ahead (of polls)….all my service was washed down the river. I feel that — I toiled for five years, but the person who came four months ago was made the CM….”

Continuing, Kharge urged against harboring personal ambition. “What I’m trying to say is, we face difficulty, but we must continue to work without greediness in mind. If you are greedy, you won’t get anything. Also you won’t be able to do what’s in your mind….. passing through all these things, from being a block president, I have now become AICC President today. I did not go behind the posts,” he said.

Renewed Dalit CM Demands

Jagalur MLA B Devendrappa’s recent comments calling for a Dalit CM have added fuel to the speculation surrounding a leadership change.

Social Welfare Minister H C Mahadevappa, responding to Kharge’s statement, said, “Kharge is one of the senior leaders in the country and he has all the required qualities to occupy any constitutional post, and our wish is that he should get an opportunity, whenever there is one.”

Mahadevappa also named other Dalit leaders from the Congress who had become Chief Ministers in different states, such as Damodaram Sanjivayya, Sushil Kumar Shinde, Jagannath Pahadia, and Ram Sundar Das.

He stated that the party would make a decision when the time comes, and all members would accept it.

Priyank Kharge and BJP Respond

Trying to downplay the growing speculation, Kharge’s son and IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge said his father was merely sharing his political journey and experiences.

He insisted that the speech should be viewed as a whole. He also clarified that his father harbored no regrets.

“From the blessings of everyone, the people of Kalaburagi and Karnataka, he is in the post that was occupied by Subhas Chandra Bose and Gandhiji…..whatever he has decided on his political future, he will decide himself.

He has earned that respect and reputation. He has a good relationship with the high command. Whatever he decides, Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi will automatically accept it,” he said.

State BJP President B Y Vijayendra, reacting to the development, stated that Kharge’s remarks revealed his frustration at being denied the CM post despite serving the Congress for decades.

He alleged that Kharge’s statement indirectly exposed how the Gandhi family, Congress party, and Siddaramaiah had been unjust to the Scheduled Castes and Tribes.

Vijayendra questioned whether the Congress was taking Kharge’s words seriously and added, “Time itself will answer that question.”