KK wins hearts: Kannadiga Kharge teases, feeds chocolate and shouts BJP Mukt South India

Congress president also cautioned party leaders to remain grounded following thumping win at Karnataka assembly election

| Updated: 13 May, 2023 10:17 pm IST

Central Congress leaders are expected to take a decision on the CM's post by Monday.

BENGALURU (KARNATAKA): The playfulness of local leaders – Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, party’s state president DK Shivakumar and former CM Siddaramaiah – on the victory podium while sharing sweets from Nandini was full of symbolism.

Buoyed by Congress’ thumping win at the Karnataka assembly election, party president Mallikarjun Kharge did not mince words as he hit back at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying that those who wanted ‘Congress Mukt Bharat’ ended up facing ‘BJP Mukt Dakshin Bharat’.

“Those who wanted to make ‘Congress Mukt Bharat’ (Congress-free India) spoke many things against us, but today one thing has come true and that is ‘BJP Mukt Dakshin Bharat’ (BJP free South India),” Kharge said as Congress registered their biggest win in the state since 1989.

While Congress fell short of its tally of 178 in the 1989 state assembly election, it has logged an impressive tally of 137 seats, with one independent MLA also declaring its support for the party.

The win is impressive for the battered party, which struggled to stay relevant in national politics. The win will surely boost its confidence ahead of the 2024 general elections.

While Congress basked in the glory, the veteran politician cautioned the leaders, asking them to work with all humility and remain grounded. “Bigger battle remains to save democracy,” Kharge had said.

The Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha also termed the party’s win in the elections a “people’s victory” and not that of any individual.

“After 35 years, we got such a landslide victory. This is something we should remember. We won because we all won together, which otherwise would not have been possible,” Kharge said.

Kharge also underlined that the victory was the result of collective leadership. “Because we worked together, we won. If we were scattered, we would have remained in the same condition as we were the last time (2018),” Kharge said.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Randeep Surjewala said, “Karnataka has shown a new light for democracy. This is a victory for 6.5 crore Kannadigas. Karnataka’s pride has triumphed today!”