About the Book
In commemoration of the 80th birth anniversary of Mallikarjun Kharge, born on July 21, 1942, this book delves into his remarkable 50-year-long political journey, closely observed by his political colleagues and friends from all walks of life. It chronicles his evolution from the President of the Gulbarga City Congress Committee in 1969 to the President of the Congress Party in 2022. The narrative encompasses his multifaceted roles as a young social and political activist, a prominent figure in Karnataka’s Congress leadership, a nine-time state legislator, a three-time member of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, a five-time minister in the Karnataka government, a two-time Union Minister, and an influential opposition leader in the Rajya Sabha.
Above all, the book unveils his identity as a social activist deeply committed to the welfare of labourers and marginalized individuals, an institution builder in the field of education, and a person profoundly driven by a vision to transform and reconstruct the caste-ridden inequities in society. His ideals are rooted in the teachings of Buddha and Ambedkar, emphasizing values such as equality, freedom, and fraternity. These principles form the foundation of his political engagement, characterized by unwavering compassion for social justice, a dedication to the nation's economic and social progress, and a commitment to socially inclusive and pro-poor development.
The book provides a comprehensive account of his active role in securing educational, social, and economic well-being, as well as dignity, for the oppressed and downtrodden segments of Indian society. It uncovers the untold story of a man who emerged from the depths of poverty and caste discrimination to ascend to the position of President of the Congress Party, making his political journey of over half a century an unparalleled achievement in contemporary India.
Contents
Preface and Acknowledgement
Introduction / Sukhadeo Thorat and Chetan Shinde
SECTION 1: A Leader with Qualities of Greatness
Dedication and Sincerity for Empowerment of the Depressed / Sonia Gandhi
Politics with Fierce Commitment for Social Justice / Rahul Gandhi
Leader with Commitment for Public Welfare and Ties with People / Ramnath Kovind
A People’s Leader with Humble Origin / M. Venkaiah Naidu
Diverse Peaks Conquered, But Best is Yet to Come / Abhishek Manu Singhvi
Voice of the Voiceless / Sharad Pawar
Meticulous in his Thoughts and Action / S.M. Krishna
Eight Decades of Dedicated Service to the Congress, Karnataka and the Nation / Sudheendra Kulkarni
Strenuous Journey with Missionary Zeal to Transform an Inequality Ridden Society / P.L. Punia
Magnificent Personality Rife with Simplicity / Vijay Darda
Inspiration for Social Workers / Hemant Soren
SECTION 2: Roots of Compassion in Ideology
Ambedkarism in Action: Towards Building a Just Nation / Digvijay Singh
Champion of Aspirations of Common People of the Nation / Shashi Tharoor
Ambedkar Remains Icon of Kharge’s Social and Political Engagement / Nitin Raut
Idealist at Heart Engaged in the Interest and Happiness of People / Bhupesh Baghel
Life Dedicated to Multiple Social Causes / Sushil Kumar Shinde
Leader with Scholarship and Thorough Preparedness / Shaktisinh Gohil
Leadership Deeply Rooted in the Ideology of the Congress / Akhilesh Prasad Singh
Crusader for an Egalitarian Society / K. Jayakumar
SECTION 3: Upbringing Amid Poverty and Discrimination
Selfless Life of Long Struggle for the Deprived Classes / Sharnbaswappa Appaji
A Political Activist with Courage and Vision / Iswar Ingan
Life and Achievements of an Inspiring Personality / H.T. Pote
Warmth that Transcends Political Boundaries / Elamaram Kareem
An Ideal Personality in Politics / Wazahat Mirza
A Journey Testament to Personal Growth and Resilience / Rajni Patil
SECTION 4: Contributions as Member of Legislative Assembly and Minister: Socially Inclusive Development
Eminent Administrator in Service of Society with Zeal and Commitment / Sitaram Jindal
Pro-Poor Leader / R.V. Deshpande
Good Human Being with Deep Commitment to Development of Society / P. Vishwanatha Shetty
Contributions for Groups that Suffered the Most / Syed Shah Khusro Hussaini
Capable, Selfless and Honest Politician with Vision for Stronger Karnataka / M.R. Jayaram
Welfare of Minorities and Dalits at Heart / Mohd Arif Khan
Name Synonymous with Dedication, Commitment to the Congress / P. Ramaiah
A Leader Dedicated to Education and Development 170 of Marginalized Groups / Neeraj Dangi
Dynamic Leader and Administrator / Kaushalendra Kumar
Five Decades of Selfless Service to the Nation / K. Raju
SECTION 5: Minister at the Centre: Labour, Railway and Social Welfare
Efficient Minister of Labour and Employment / P. Chidambaram
Minister with Commitment and Vision for Development / Harivansh Narayan Singh
A Minister Motivated by Goal of National Development / Anil Swarup
Extremely Popular Leader / Tariq Anwar
An Enlightened Statesman / B. Mungekar
Distinguished Leader Committed to Development and Social Welfare / Jyotiraditya Scindia
SECTION 6: Kalyan Karnataka: Regional Development Through Constitutional Amendment
Article 371(J) of the Constitution: Decades-Old Dream Comes True / V.S. Ugrappa
Committed and Dedicated to Kalyan Karnataka / Shamanur Shivashankarappa
The Architect of Kalyan Karnataka / Vivek Tankha
Transformed the Kalyan Karnataka / H.K. Patil
SECTION 7: Innovative, Compassionate and People’s Administrator
An Excellent Home Minister of Karnataka / D.V. Guruprasad
Committed Jan Sevak and Truly Visionary Administrator / Om Prakash
Extraordinary Administrator Respected by All / P.N. Sreenivasachari
Innovative and Compassionate Administrator / N.S. Megharikh
SECTION 8: Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
Winner, Warrior and Energetic Social Worker / Sumitra Mahajan
The Minister with A+ Rating / K.R. Ramesh Kumar
Leader who Commands Respect and Confidence of Opposition / N.K. Premachandran
Grassroots Leader in True Sense of the Term / Nitin Gadkari
A Leader with Sincerity, Courage and Efficiency / P. Karunakaran
A Moulder of Consensus / Ram Gopal Yadav
Guardian of the Congress Family in Parliament / Ranjeet Rajan
A Leader who Thinks Solely About the Welfare of the People / P. Venugopal
Versatile and Strong Leader of the Congress / Ashok Chavan
Mallikarjun Kharge: The Wings of Democracy / Pawan Kumar Bansal
Political Activist, Student and Trade Union Leader / Anand Sharma
Versatile Speaker with Facts and Figures / A.P. Jithender Reddy
Capable Parliamentarian Driven by Political Ideals / Sudip Bandyopadhyay
Inspiration for the Next Generation Politicians / Narendra Singh Tomar
An Exemplary Parliamentarian, Legislator and a Man of Masses / Ravindra Garimella
Service to the Poor with Compassion and Commitment / Kodikunnil Suresh
Compassion Shaped by Ambedkar and Gautam Buddha’s Philosophy / G.C. Chandrashekhar
In Service of the Most Marginalized Groups / Kumari Selja
Fierce Fighter for Social Justice and a Compassionate Administrator / K.C. Venugopal
Section 9: Kharge’s Model of Politics: The Way Forward for the Congress
Leadership in Trusted and Experienced Hands / Manmohan Singh
An Experienced Legislator and Administrator in the Parliament / P.D.T. Achary
Service with Sincerity and Loyalty to the Congress / Randeep Surjewala
A Politician of the Masses, Legendary Leader and a Visionary Administrator / D.K. Shivakumar
Devoted, Loyal and Sincere Worker of Congress Party / Praveen Chakravarty
About the Author / Editor
Sukhadeo Thorat is Professor Emeritus, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He is a former Chairman of University Grants Commission and Indian Council of Social Science Research. He is also the Chairman of Indian Institute of Dalit Studies, New Delhi and Institute of Social and Economic Change, Bangalore. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2008 in the field of Literature and Education.
Chetan B. Shinde is Editor of The People’s Post and Director, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Media Centre, New Delhi.
