Section of Cong wants Kharge in state politics

A view has emerged within the Congress that veteran leader Mallikarjun Kharge must be roped in to lead the party’s coalition with the JD(S) to keep the BJP from toppling it, sources said.

Some feel that Kharge, whose undefeated electoral run ended after his shock loss in the Gulbarga Lok Sabha segment, should now be given an active role in state politics. Kharge, a Dalit, led the Congress on the floor of the Lok Sabha against the Narendra Modi-led BJP.

Sources point out that going forward, if Kharge becomes the chief minister, the BJP will think twice before toppling the government lest it wants to be seen as doing so when a Dalit is at the helm of affairs. “This view has been echoed in view of the fact that Kharge will not be needed much in Delhi now,” a source said.