Jasrota: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge became unwell while addressing a public rally on Sunday in the Jasrota belt of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district.
After receiving medical attention, Kharge said that he is “not going to die” before Prime Minister Narendra Modi is removed from the power.
Congress leaders said Kharge’s health improved after a check-up by doctors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Congress president later in the day to enquire about his health.
In a post on X, his son Priyank Kharge said, “Congress President Sri @kharge felt slightly unwell while addressing a public meeting in Jasrota, Jammu & Kashmir.”
“He has been checked upon by his medical team and apart from slightly low blood pressure, he is doing well. Extremely grateful for everyone’s concern. His resolve, along with people’s good wishes, keeps him going strong,” said Priyank Kharge, who is a cabinet minister in the Karnataka government.
Mallikarjun Kharge fell ill while he was paying tribute in his speech to a head constable who was killed in an ongoing operation with terrorists in Kathua. Two other police personnel have been injured in the incident and one terrorist has been killed.
“He was addressing a public rally in Jasrota when he felt uneasy and dizzy. His colleagues helped him onto a chair,” Congress general secretary Gulam Ahmed Mir told PTI.
He added that the Congress president is stable.
After being administered medical assistance at the rally venue, Kharge said, “I am 83 years old. I am not going to die so early. I will stay alive till PM Modi is removed from power…”
“I wanted to talk. But due to dizziness, I have sat down. Please pardon me,” he said.
Later, highlighting the role of Congress prime ministers, Kharge added, “Who has freed Bangladesh. Indira Gandhi did it. ‘Jai Jawan Jain Kisan’ slogan was given by us. Pakistan was defeated by us. Lal Bahadur Shastri defeated it. This is Congress.”
Jammu and Kashmir Congress vice president Ravindra Sharma said Kharge felt dizzy and was taken to a room where doctors were called for a check-up.
Kharge had flown to Jasrota to address a rally to garner support for his party candidates in the assembly polls. Later, Kharge’s second rally at Udhampur was cancelled. He will return to Delhi.
