Cong high command will decide on matters like changing CM, says Mallikarjun Kharge
Kharge has no real authority in party: BJP's dig at Cong chief
Bengaluru, Jun 30 (PTI): Amid Congress leaders in Karnataka openly discussing possible change of Chief Minister in the state, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday said it is up to the party high command to decide on such matters and that one should not create any unnecessary problem.
Kharge was responding to media queries about some Congress leaders in the state claiming about a change in the post of chief minister in October.
"See, that is in the hands of the high command. Nobody can say here what is going on in the high command. This is left to the high command, and the high command has got power to take further action. But unnecessarily, one should not create a problem," he told reporters here.
In 2023, when the Congress assumed power in the southern state, there were speculations that Siddaramaiah and D K Shivakumar would helm the state for 2.5 years each, as per a rotational formula, claims the party has neither confirmed nor rejected so far. Currently, Siddaramaiah is the chief minister and Shivakumar his deputy.
Meanwhile, Congress General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala, who is in Bengaluru met with party legislators here, amid signs of disgruntlement and speculations about leadership change within the ruling party.
Reacting to his visit, Kharge said, "Surjewala has come. Based on his report and what feedback he gathers, we will decide what steps to take."
Calling Kharge an accidental AICC president, Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, R Ashoka, asked, "If Kharge is not the party high command, then who is?"
In a post on 'X', Ashoka said, "Looks like Congress has gifted us another ‘accidental’ leader. First, it was Dr. Manmohan Singh, the PM who had the chair but not the command, who had the responsibility but no power. Now it’s Mallikarjun Kharge, the Accidental AICC President, who proudly admits he doesn’t know what the 'high command' is thinking," he said in a post on 'X'.
"Dear Kharge Ji, if you are not the high command, then who is? RahulGandhi? Sonia Gandhi? Priyanka Gandhi or is it an invisible committee of one surname? In @INCIndia, the President is just there for appearances, while decisions are taken behind closed doors at 10 Janpath," Ashoka alleged.
He claimed that Kharge isn't leading the Congress, he’s leading a "masterclass in con-graceful surrender".
"Same script, new actor. Still directed by the Gandhi family," he added.
There was no immediate response to Ashoka from the Congress side.
Looks like Congress has gifted us another ‘accidental’ leader.
— R. Ashoka (@RAshokaBJP) June 30, 2025
First it was Dr. Manmohan Singh, the PM who had the chair but not the command, who had the responsibility but no power. Now it’s Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, the Accidental AICC President who proudly admits he doesn’t… https://t.co/fNinvbVBKH
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Worker’s body reaches Ranchi from Saudi 4 months after death; family rejects over compensation
Ranchi (PTI): The body of a migrant worker from Jharkhand’s Giridih district killed in Saudi Arabia in October last year has arrived at Ranchi Airport, but his family refused to accept it over pending compensation, officials said.
Shikha Lakra, team leader of the state migrant control cell, told PTI that, before taking the body of Vijay Kumar Mahato, the family is demanding compensation from the private company where he used to work in the Arab country.
Mahato was killed in an alleged crossfire between the police and criminals.
“Since it was a bullet injury case, the matter is before a court in Jeddah. The final compensation may depend on the court’s decision,” Lakra said.
“The Indian Embassy informed us about the body’s arrival, and coordination was done with district authorities. Our role is limited to coordination in cases involving overseas employers and foreign jurisdiction,” she added.
Giridih Deputy Commissioner Ram Niwas Yadav said the authorities will try to convince the family to perform the last rites.
“We have already sanctioned Rs 5 lakh under the government scheme for migrant’s deaths abroad. The compensation payment might take some time,” he said.
The body is currently at the mortuary of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi.
The Family members said they will only accept it if the company provides written assurance regarding compensation. “Without that assurance, we will not receive the body,” said Ram Prasad Mahato, the deceased’s brother-in-law.
Mahato, a native of Dudhpaniya village in Madh Gopali panchayat under Dumri block, was employed as a tower line fitter. His family said he was struck by a bullet during a gunfight between local police and an extortion gang and later succumbed to his injuries.
Social activist Sikander Ali said Mahato is survived by his wife, two young sons aged five and three, and elderly parents.
