Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2 min read | 8:49 pm CAT

Five generations of the Nehru Gandhi political dynasty have been part presidents, giving India three Prime Ministers. But in 2014, Narendra Modi led the BJP to a decisive victory, and his Hindu Nationalist platform has gained more support. Many have blamed congress dependants on one family for its decline. The question is can a non-Gandhi party leader take on Modi?

In a discussion with Radio Islam International, Resident Editor at Asian Agent Dehli, Suparna Sharma, said Kharge is known for his honesty, and there has never been any scandal about him but rather him one of the rarest politicians.

Born in a low-income family at Varavatti in Bidar district on July 21, 1942, he did his schooling and BA as well as Law in Kalaburagi. He was into legal practice for some time before plunging into politics.

She said Kharge is a strong Gandhi loyalist but is not subservient, which is interesting about him.

A hard-boiled Congressman and loyal to the core of the Gandhi family, Kharge has played multiple roles in different ministries that have enriched his experience as an administrator.

He has also served as the leader of the opposition in the Karnataka Assembly and President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee.

Kharge fought against a solid candidate, Shashi Tharoor, known worldwide as a very erudite politician. 

According to Sharma, Kharge won almost seven times more votes than Tharoor pulled. 

“That adds to Kharge’s heft in leading the party,” she says.

Listen below to the interview with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat and Suparna Sharma on Radio Islam’s podcast.