The political temperature in Uttarakhand rose sharply on Sunday when Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a direct and scathing attack on the state’s ruling BJP government. Addressing party workers and leaders in Rudrapur, Kharge categorically stated that his visit was not a mere outing or tourism, but a campaign to fight for the rights of the people of the state and to revitalize the organization. Responding to the Chief Minister’s comments, he bluntly stated that he was here to clear the way to oust the BJP from power.
Indeed, Kharge’s stance appeared completely aggressive during this major event held in Rudrapur. He not only criticized the state government’s failures but also reminded the nation of its long-standing political traditions and decorum. This statement by the Congress president comes at a time when there is intense excitement about the upcoming political dynamics in the state.
“I’ve traveled the world, I don’t need tourism.”
Responding to questions raised by the Uttarakhand Chief Minister about his visit, Kharge said he was being asked why he was in Uttarakhand and whether he was there to spend his holidays. Countering this, he said, “I’ve toured the entire world, the entire country. I’m not here for tourism. I’m here for my people, for my public, for the rights of students, to keep the Congress party alive and to remove the BJP from power.”
Kharge’s statement directly energized the party workers. The crowd greeted his statement with applause. It is being said that Kharge’s stance clearly indicates that the Congress is now in the mood to play on the front foot and set the stage for the election in Uttarakhand.
Political decorum was taught by referring to Atal-Advani.
In his address, Mallikarjun Kharge not only engaged in aggressive politics but also spoke about the country’s political culture. Referring to former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishna Advani, he said that the Congress party has always had a tradition of respecting senior leaders and the opposition.
He recalled that when Atal ji and Advani ji visited Karnataka while in the opposition, Congress leaders not only welcomed them but also made respectful arrangements for their accommodation and food. Kharge said that ideological and political differences may exist, but respecting senior and elder leaders in public life is part of our culture.
Call to strengthen the organization at the booth level
In the final part of his speech, the Congress president directly addressed the workers. He stated that change will not come from mere speeches from platforms, but rather from on-the-ground action. Kharge urged the workers to unite and take to the streets to address real public issues—such as unemployment, inflation, and student problems.
According to local leaders, Kharge’s visit wasn’t just a formal visit, but rather served as a tonic for activating Congress workers at the booth level in the state. He clearly urged workers to set aside their differences, strengthen the organization, and go out among the public to expose the government’s policies.