Amid discontent, Kharge book release binds INDIA bloc leaders

On the dias with Kharge and Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, who released the book, were DMK’s T R Baalu, CPM General Secretary Sitaram Yechury and RJD’s Manoj Jha.

INDIA bloc leaders, Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Kharge book release, Indian express news, current affairs

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge with senior party leader Sonia Gandhi at the launch of Mallikarjun Kharge: Political Engagement with Compassion, Justice and Inclusive Development in New Delhi on Wednesday. PTI

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The release of a book Wednesday on the political journey of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to mark his 50 years in electoral politics brought many leaders of the INDIA bloc together at a time when some of the parties are upset with the Congress for both not entering into a seat-sharing arrangement in states which went to polls and for putting a brake on activities of the alliance in view of the elections.

On the dias with Kharge and Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, who released the book, were DMK’s T R Baalu, CPM General Secretary Sitaram Yechury and RJD’s Manoj Jha. In the audience were representatives of the TMC, Shiv Sena (UBT) and JD(U).

Both Kharge and Sonia made no direct mention of the INDIA bloc even as they slammed the BJP government accusing it of subverting the Constitution and institutions.

“Today, both the Constitution and our Parliamentary democracy are in danger in our country. It is because the people who are in power are those who do not believe in our Constitution… They have said they are waiting for the right time to change these things and bring their own constitution,” Kharge said. “I have seen many challenges to the country over the last 50 years…To emerge stronger, we should be able to sort out our differences and come together boldly,” he added. “… To me personally, Kharge has been a wise companion and a pillar of strength…” Sonia said.