Exclusive: Is Rahul Gandhi I.N.D.I.A's PM Face? Congress Chief Kharge Says 'No Dispute, But...' — WATCH

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge responded to a poser about whether Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi would be the prime ministerial face for the I.N.D.I.A. bloc as he also spoke about other poll issues.

File Photo of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi.

Source : X/@Kharge

In an interview with ABP News, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday discussed the leadership of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc, the support of opposition leaders, and his views on the BJP's governance. Kharge emphasised the importance of collective decision-making within the alliance and strongly criticised the BJP's authoritarian approach.

When asked if Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi would be the prime ministerial candidate for the I.N.D.I.A. bloc, Kharge stated, "These decisions are made after we have the numbers. There is no dispute regarding Rahul Gandhi, but the decision will be made by the partners of the INDIA alliance."

#BREAKING | राहुल गांधी के पीएम उम्मीदवार को लेकर कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष मल्लिकार्जुन खरगे ने दिया जवाबhttps://t.co/smwhXURgtc | @AshishSinghLIVE#MallikarjunKharge #RahulGandhi #Congress #LoksabhaElection #LatestNews pic.twitter.com/amonTL2PlA

— ABP News (@ABPNews) May 18, 2024

Regarding TMC supremo and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's support, Kharge acknowledged the importance of unity against the RSS-backed ideology of the BJP. He remarked, "In this country, the BJP government is driven by RSS-backed ideology and a dictatorial mindset. We will accept help from anyone willing to assist us in removing such people."

Speaking about BSP chief Mayawati, Kharge noted the necessity of collaboration to combat the BJP's 'oppressive tactics'. "Those who want to crush Dalits, backward classes, and minorities, and repeatedly misuse religion, need to be removed. We welcome the support of anyone, including Mayawati Ji, in this endeavour," he told ABP News.

Kharge drew comparisons between Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governance and a dictatorship, particularly criticising the lack of transparency in appointments. "They place their own people in autonomous bodies without consulting anyone or discussing it in the cabinet. We, on the other hand, select people based on merit for positions like CBI, CBC, and Vice Chancellors," he asserted.

Kharge Slams PM Modi's 'Babri Lock' On Ayodhya Ram Mandir Remark, Reveals If Congress Plans To Probe Adani And Ambani

Responding to Modi's controversial statement about the Congress intending to put a "Babri lock" on Ayodhya Ram Mandir or "bulldoze" it altogether, Kharge dismissed it as nonsensical. "No sensible person would say such a thing. It reflects a lack of vision and an intent to scare and mislead people. The bulldozer government is theirs," he remarked.

Asked if the grand old party plans to initiate investigations against industrialists Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani, Kharge assured that the Congress would investigate illegal activities without harassing industrialists unnecessarily. "We will investigate illegal activities. We will not trouble any industrialist or investor without reason. The BJP intimidates every industrialist and contractor for electoral bonds. We are seeing cases where entities with low income and profit have contributed more to electoral bonds than their earnings. How is that possible?" he questioned.

#BREAKING | अडानी-अंबानी पर कांग्रेस का प्लान क्या है? कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष मल्लिकार्जुन खरगे दिया जवाब..https://t.co/smwhXURgtc | @AshishSinghLIVE#MallikarjunKharge #Congress #LoksabhaElection #LatestNews pic.twitter.com/fzBiqIwYNg

— ABP News (@ABPNews) May 18, 2024

On the topic of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Kharge expressed a desire for fairness in the Election Commission of India (ECI). "We do not want to accuse anyone. We want the Election Commission to work fairly. We do not want to interfere and destroy it like Modi. We want to strengthen it. If mistakes are made, it is up to the people to correct them," he concluded.