80 and going: Mallikarjun Kharge’s unstoppable spirit makes him top contender for Congress prez post
India Today
The former president of Karnataka Pradesh Congress, Kharge, has been an eight-time MLA, two-time Lok Sabha MP and a Rajya Sabha MP.
The last moment entry of senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge into the fray for the party's presidential post came as a surprise for many. However, many are inquiring about Kharge's health, 80, and whether or not it will allow him to lease fresh oxygen into Congress's blood.
The very first demand of dissenters who rallied under the banner of G-23 was to appoint a full-time working president to take on the BJP’s claim of the workaholic culture prevalent in the party as there are the usual utterings about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath tirelessly working for 16-18 hours every day.
Back in 2017 at AIIMS, Kharge underwent knee surgery and people close to him told India Today that his knee was replaced. Since then, he requires support while walking and climbing stairs. Also, Kharge suffers from swollen feet, so he always keeps his socks on.
Sources said that the veteran Congress leader also has complications related to the age factor, such as BP and hypertension.
However, the leader has no serious health complications such as diabetes or heart-related ailments. In fact, his supporters say his energy is worth laudable as he takes part in marathon parliamentary proceedings and never skips hitting the streets with Gandhis whenever asked.
Kharge has risen in the organisation from its grassroots.
The former president of Karnataka Pradesh Congress, Kharge, has been an eight-time MLA, two-time Lok Sabha MP and is now a Rajya Sabha MP.
