Mallikarjun Kharge: Age, Biography, Education, Wife, Caste, Net Worth & More

Mallikarjun Kharge

Mallikarjun Kharge is an Indian politician and member of parliament, representing Karnataka in the Rajya Sabha for the Indian National Congress (INC). He currently serves as the President of the INC and holds the position of Leader of the Opposition in the upper house of the Indian parliament.

Additionally, he previously served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly and held ministerial positions as the Minister of Railways and Minister of Labour and Employment in the Government of India.

Mallikarjun Kharge Biography

Mallikarjun Kharge, a prominent figure in Indian politics, has had a distinguished career that spans several decades. Born in the humble town of Varawatti in Karnataka, Kharge's journey from a passionate student leader to the President of the Indian National Congress is a testament to his dedication and leadership.

Born to Mapanna Kharge and Sabavva, Mallikarjun Kharge's early life was rooted in the cultural and educational ethos of Karnataka. Completing his schooling at Nutan Vidyalaya in Gulbarga, Kharge went on to pursue higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts from Government College, Gulbarga. He furthered his academic pursuits by obtaining a law degree from Seth Shankarlal Lahoti Law College. His foray into the legal profession began under the mentorship of Justice Shivraj Patil, where he represented labour unions, demonstrating his commitment to social justice.

Mallikarjun Kharge's personal life is marked by his marriage to Radhabai in 1968, with whom he shares a loving family of two daughters and three sons. In a significant personal decision, Kharge announced his adherence to Buddhism in 2006, reflecting his philosophical beliefs and principles. His interests extend beyond politics to reading, rational thinking, and sports, highlighting his multifaceted personality.

The foundations of Mallikarjun Kharge's political career were laid during his college years when he assumed the role of General Secretary of the College Student Body. His legal advisory role to the MSK Mills Employees Union and leadership in the labour union sphere marked the beginning of his political journey. Kharge's official entry into politics was solidified in 1969 when he joined the Indian National Congress and took on the role of President of the Gulbarga City Congress Committee, setting the stage for his illustrious political career.

Kharge's political career reached new heights when he won the Gulbarga Parliamentary seat in the 2014 General Elections, later becoming the Leader of the Congress Party in the Lok Sabha. His election to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka in 2020 and subsequent role as the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha further underscored his political acumen. In 2022, Kharge made headlines as he was elected the President of the Indian National Congress, succeeding Sonia Gandhi, marking a new chapter in his political journey.

Mallikarjun Kharge's political legacy is characterised by his unwavering commitment to the Indian National Congress and his representation of the scheduled caste community from Karnataka. His impressive electoral track record, advocacy for labour rights, and leadership roles in the Indian political arena have left an indelible mark. As the Congress President, Kharge's vision and leadership continue to shape the future of the party and Indian politics at large.

From his early days as a student activist to his current role as the President of the Indian National Congress, Kharge's journey is a reflection of his commitment to public service and social justice. As he continues to influence the Indian political landscape, his legacy serves as an inspiration to aspiring politicians and leaders across the nation.

By Zainab Ashraf Updated: Wednesday, March 13, 2024, 10:53:48 AM [IST]

Mallikarjun Kharge Personal Life

Full Name	Mallikarjun Kharge
Date of Birth	21 Jul 1942 (Age 81)
Place of Birth	Warwatti, Bhalki Taluk, Bidar District
Party Name	Indian National Congress
Education	Graduate Professional
Profession	Politician, Advocate and Social Worker
Father's Name	Shri Mapanna
Mother's Name	Smt. Saibavva
Religion	Buddhist
Website	NIL
Social Handles	Social Handles:

Mallikarjun Kharge Net Worth

Net Worth: ₹15.46 CRORE

ASSETS:₹15.77 CRORE

Liabilities: ₹31.22 LAKHS

Education Qualification of Mallikarjun Kharge

Mallikarjun Kharge completed schooling from Nutan Vidyalaya in Gulbarga. Thereafter, he pursued a B.A. degree from the Government College, Gulbarga. He has also earned a law degree from the Seth Shankarlal Lahoti Law College, Gulbarga.

Interesting Facts about Mallikarjun Kharge

Mallikarjun Kharge is the first non-Gandhi leader after 24 years to occupy the party’s top post.

Political Timeline of Mallikarjun Kharge

2022

Mallikarjun Kharge won the Congress Presidential Elections by defeating Shashi Tharoor on 19th October 2022.

2021

Mallikarjun Kharge became the leader of the opposition in Rajya Sabha.

2014

In the 2014 general elections, Kharge contested and won from the Gulbarga parliamentary seat, beating his closest rival from the BJP by over 73,000 votes. In June, he was appointed as the Leader of the Congress party in the Lok Sabha.

2009

In 2009, Kharge contested the general elections from Gulbarga Parliamentary Constituency and won his tenth consecutive election.

2008

In 2008, he was elected for the record ninth consecutive time to the Assembly from Chitapur. Though the Congress party put up a better show when compared to the 2004 elections, the Congress lost the elections with a majority of the senior leaders losing. He was appointed as the Leader of the Opposition for the second time in 2008.

2005

In 2005, he was appointed President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee. In the Panchayat elections held soon after, Congress won the highest number of seats compared to BJP and JD(S), indicating a revival of the Congress fortunes in the rural areas of Karnataka.

2004

In 2004, he was elected for the eighth consecutive time to the Karnataka Assembly and was once again considered a front-runner for the post of the Chief Minister of Karnataka. He became the Minister for Transport and Water Resources in the Dharam Singh-led coalition government.

1999

In 1999, he was elected for the seventh time to the Karnataka Assembly and was a front-runner to the post of Chief Minister of Karnataka.

1994

He was elected for the sixth time to the Karnataka Assembly from Gurmitkal and became the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly.

1992

Between 1992 and 1994, he was the Minister for Co-operation, Medium, and Large Industries in the Veerappa Moily Cabinet.

1990

In 1990, he joined Bangarappa’s Cabinet as the Minister for Revenue, Rural Development, and Panchayat Raj, portfolios he had held earlier and brought about significant change.

1989

In 1989, he was elected for the fifth time to the Karnataka Assembly from Gurmitkal.

1985

In 1985, he was elected for the fourth time to the Karnataka Assembly from Gurmitkal and was appointed as the Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly.

1983

He was elected for the third time to the Karnataka Assembly from Gurmitkal.

1980

He became the Minister for Revenue in the Gundu Rao Cabinet. During this time, the focus was on effective land reforms resulting in giving occupancy rights to millions of landless tillers and labourers.

1978

In 1978, he was elected for the second time as MLA from Gurmitkal constituency and was appointed as Minister of State for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj in the Devaraj Urs ministry.

1976

In 1976, he was appointed as the Minister of State for Primary Education, during which time, over 16,000 backlog vacancies of SC/STs teachers were filled up by recruiting them directly into the service.

1974

In 1974, he was appointed as the Chairman of the state-owned Leather Development Corporation and worked to improve the living conditions of thousands of cobblers who were indulging in the leather tanning industry.

1973

In 1973, he was appointed as the Chairman of the Octroi Abolition Committee, which went into the question of revitalising the economy of the municipal and civic bodies in the state of Karnataka.

1972

He first contested the Karnataka State Assembly elections in 1972 and won from Gurmitkal constituency.

Mallikarjun Kharge Early Life

1969

In 1969, he became the legal advisor to the MSK Mills Employees' Union. He was also an influential labour union leader of Samyukta Majdoor Sangha and led many agitations fighting for the rights of labourers. Also, the same year, he joined the Indian National Congress and became President of the Gulbarga City Congress Committee.

Early 60’s

He finished his schooling at Nutan Vidyalaya in Gulbarga and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Government College, Gulbarga, and his Law degree from the Seth Shankarlal Lahoti Law College in Gulbarga. Kharge started his political career as a student union leader in the Government College, Gulbarga, while he was elected as the General Secretary of the students' body.

Mallikarjun Kharge Achievements

He is the Founder-Chairman of Siddharth Vihar Trust, which has built the Buddha Vihar in Gulbarga, India
He is the Patron of Chowdiah Memorial Hall, which is one of the premier concert and theatre venues in Bangalore. He also helped the center to get over its debts and aided the center's plans for renovation.
Founder President of Karnataka People’s Education Society, Gulbarga (till 2012).
President of Siddhartha Education Society, Tumkur, from 1974 – 1996.
Instrumental in the opening of Medical and Technical institutions in Karnataka

Election Results of Mallikarjun Kharge

Year	Election	Type	Constituency	Result
2019	Parliament election	MP	Gulbarga	Lost
2014	Parliament election	MP	Gulbarga	Won
2009	Parliament election	MP	Gulbarga	Won
2008	Karnataka Assembly election	MLA	Chittapur	Won
2004	Karnataka Assembly election	MLA	Gurmitkal	Won
1999	Karnataka Assembly election	MLA	Gurmitkal	Won
1994	Karnataka Assembly election	MLA	Gurmitkal	Won
1989	Karnataka Assembly election	MLA	Gurmitkal	Won
1985	Karnataka Assembly election	MLA	Gurmitkal	Won

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs on Mallikarjun Kharge)

What is Mallikarjun Kharge's qualification?

Mallikarjun Kharge earned B.A. degree from the Government College and law degree from the Seth Shankarlal Lahoti Law College.
Does Mallika Kharge have criminal cases?

No, Mallikarjun Kharge does not have any criminal cases.
Does Mallikarjun Kharge have children?

Mallikarjun Kharge has 3 sons and 2 daughters.
How to contact with Mallikarjun Kharge?

Mallikarjun Kharge's contact number is 09980035555.
What is Mallikarjun Kharge's net worth?

Mallikarjun Kharge has net worth of ₹9.48 CRORE.
Is Mallikarjun Kharge married?

Yes, Mallikarjun Kharge is married to Smt. Radhabai.
What is Mallikarjun Kharge's full name?

Mallikarjun Kharge's full name is Mapanna Mallikarjun Kharge.
Who is Mallikarjun Kharge?

Mallikarjun Kharge is the current Leader of the Opposition of Rajya Sabha.

Mallikarjun Kharge Latest News & Updates

Kharge accuses Govt. to not let Parliament avoid Adani issue

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused the govt. of not letting the Parliament ignoring discussion over Adani issue.
The MP also stated that there is no point of seeking apology over Rahul Gandhi's recent remark in the United Kingdom.
Mallikarjun Kharge pays condolence to Santokh Chaudhary's family

Mallikarjun Kharge, the President of Congress, paid condolence on former Cabinet Minister Santokh Chaudhary's sudden demise. As the late politician faced heart attack and died during Rahul Gandhi's ongoing Bharat Jodo Yatra at Phillaur.
To this, Kharge shared his reaction on Twitter, he wrote, "Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the untimely passing away of our MP, Shri Santokh Singh Chaudhary."
The President also said. "His loss is a great blow to the party and organisation. In this hour of grief, my heart goes out to his family, friends and followers.
May his soul rest in peace."
Mallikarjun Kharge prays for PM Modi's mother

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge wrote a prayer note on Prime Minister's mother's health recovery.
As he wrote in Hindi, "We wish for the good health of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji's mother. Hope she gets well soon".
Mallikarjun Kharge on 100 days of Bharat Jodo Yatra

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge congratulated Rahul Gandhi and other party members for completing 100 days of Bharat Jodo Yatra.
This ongoing march has already crossed 42 districts and approx. 730 Kilometers so far, which is being conducted based on the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.
Mallikarjun Kharge took oath as Congress President today

Mallikarjun Kharge today took charge as the first non-Gandhi president of Congress after 24 years.
During the oath ceremony Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Ashok Gehlot and many other party dignitaries were presented.
Moreover, senior INC leader Shashi Tharoor, who was lost to Kharge, extended his full support, cooperation to the new INC president.
Mallikarjun Kharge won the Congress Presidential Elections today

Mallikarjun Kharge won the Congress Presidential Elections on October 19, 2022. He got elected by defeating Shashi Tharoor with approx. 7,897 votes.
However, this election has made several headlines till date. As a non-Gandhi presidential election was recently seen after 24 long years.
On October 17, the new Congress chief also took to his twitter handle for sending his best wishes to
his opponent Mr. Tharoor.
It read, 'My best wishes to @ShashiTharoor.'
He also wrote, 'Spoke to him earlier today, both of us are contesting to strengthen @INCIndia to build a stronger & better nation for the future generations'
Mallikarjun Kharge files nomination for Congress President Elections 2022

Veteran Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge recently filed his nomination for the post of INC president 2022.
Mr. Kharge also shared that he was fighting for a big change in the party.
Meanwhile, his candidature was proposed by Ashok Gehlot, Digvijaya Singh, Pawan Kumar Bansal and many other dignitaries.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is sourced from various publicly available platforms including https://en.wikipedia.org/, https://sansad.in/ls, https://sansad.in/rs, https://pib.gov.in/, https://affidavit.eci.gov.in/ and the official websites of state assemblies respectively. While we make every effort to maintain the accuracy, comprehensiveness and timeliness of the information provided, we cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy or reliability of the content. The data presented here has been compiled without consideration of the objectives or opinions of individuals who may access it.