Mallikarjun Kharge Suffers Syncopal Attack at Kathua Rally, Vows to Outlast PM Modi's Tenure

During a rally, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge experienced a syncopal episode but continued his speech after a short pause. He declared he would not pass away before Prime Minister Narendra Modi is ousted from office. "When our government comes, we will eliminate terrorism," Kharge stated in a weak voice before briefly stopping, assisted by aides on stage.

Kharge, aged 83, reassured the crowd about his health, saying, "I am not going to die so early. I will stay alive till PM Modi is removed from power." After feeling dizzy, he apologised for sitting down during his speech. Later, he visited Kathua district hospital for a checkup and then departed for Delhi.

Health Concerns and Medical Evaluation

Doctors examined Kharge at the rally site, with Congress leaders confirming his condition improved following medical attention. A doctor later informed reporters that Kharge had experienced fainting due to a syncopal attack. Basic tests, including an ECG, showed normal results despite increased sweating.

Prime Minister Modi reached out to Kharge to inquire about his health. The rally in Jasrota, Kathua was Kharge's final election meeting for the Jammu and Kashmir polls. A scheduled rally in Ramnagar was cancelled as his helicopter couldn't land there, leading him to return to Delhi instead.

Family and Party Reactions

Kharge's son, Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge, posted on X about his father's health. "Congress President Sri @kharge felt slightly unwell while addressing a public meeting in Jasrota, Jammu & Kashmir," he wrote. Priyank assured that apart from low blood pressure, Kharge was doing well and expressed gratitude for the concern shown by others.

During his speech, Kharge paid tribute to a head constable killed in an ongoing operation against terrorists in Kathua. Two other police personnel were injured, and one terrorist was killed in the incident. Jammu and Kashmir Congress vice president Ravindra Sharma noted that Kharge was deeply moved while discussing the martyrs of the terror attack.

Emotional Impact and Political Determination

Sharma highlighted how Kharge's emotions briefly overwhelmed him but quickly transitioned into reaffirming the party's commitment to eradicating terrorism in the region. "His swift transition from grief to resolve highlights the Congress party's determination to address ongoing security concerns in Jammu and Kashmir," Sharma stated.

In his address, Kharge emphasised past Congress prime ministers' contributions. He mentioned Indira Gandhi's role in freeing Bangladesh and Lal Bahadur Shastri's defeat of Pakistan. Despite wanting to speak at Ramnagar's rally where many awaited him, logistical issues forced him back to Delhi.

The incident underscores the emotional toll such violence takes on leaders and their resolve to combat it. The Congress party remains committed to tackling security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir as reiterated by its leaders during these rallies.