From our special correspondent

Daijiworld media network

Bengaluru, Oct 19: The massive victory of senior Congress leader Mallikarjuna Kharge as AICC President to become the second national party president from the State after veteran S Nijalingappa is a big fortune and blessing to Karnataka, said KPCC Chief D K Shivakumar in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

The presidential polls in the party held after a gap of 24 years and the election of a first non-Gandhi family leader as Congress president trouncing Shashi Tharoor indicates internal democracy is very much alive in the party, he said addressing a news conference at the party office.

He pointed out that when he and his brother D K Suresh, MP, had met Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and requested them that a person from the Gandhi family must contest in the election, the KPCC Chief said that she replied that the family has already decided that a non-Gandhi family must be the next president.

In fact, Gandhi said that Shashi Tharoor had met her and she jovially asked if he wants to contest. "I already have enough responsibilities," was my reply.

Shivakumar congratulated both Kharge and Tharoor for contesting and helping in the process of ensuring a transparent election.

"Kharge is a veteran Congress leader with vast experience of 50 years in politics, He has served as MLA, Minister, Opposition leader in the State Assembly, Lok Sabha member, Union Minister and Opposition leader in the Rajya Sabha. His loyalty to the Congress leader is unquestionable," Shivakumar said.

The KPCC Chief said Kharge cannot be considered as leader of Karnataka alone or only as a Dalit leader as he is a national leader in his own right and represents all sections of people.

Responding to attacks from BJP and media that Kharge is remote-controlled by the Gandhi family, he asked whether BJP national president J P Nadda was elected through internal polls and how can he be termed. "The Gandhi family ruled the party for 20 years. Can it be ignored and what is wrong if their advice is sought? It is natural to consult party’s senior leaders and others,’’ he asserted.

To a question on the impact of Kharge in the State’s assembly polls next year, the KPCC Chief said: "Yes, it will definitely have an impact not only in the State but in other States too. Kharge has an unblemished record and vast experience. His leadership is certainly a big boost for the entire party."

Asked if Kharge will become the third power centre in the State, Shivakumar shot back: "Why third? As AICC President he is number one in the party. He had played an important role in the State in the past and will continue to do so in future too," he said.