BENGALURU: Amid the leadership row within the ruling state unit of Congress, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara has stated that there was nothing wrong if the party's national President, Mallikarjun Kharge, returns to state politics.
The statement has gained significance in the backdrop of Kharge expressing disappointment over being denied the Chief Minister’s post in 1999, despite working hard for five years and contributing significantly to bringing the Congress to power in the state.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday in Bengaluru, when asked about the growing demand from some leaders for Kharge to return to state politics, Parameshwara said, “There is nothing wrong in it. He holds a key decision-making position in our party. He is the one who decides who should be chosen as the Chief Minister. He is the AICC President. If he decides to return to state politics, no one should take it otherwise.”
When asked about Kharge’s recent remarks expressing disappointment over the denial of the CM’s post in 1999 and the BJP’s criticism of the statement, Parameshwara responded, “Those who are commenting on this issue have not yet reached the level Kharge is at today. He is a prominent leader in national politics, not just in our party. That must be taken into account.”