Latest MALIKARJUN KHARGE News | Top MALIKARJUN KHARGE News Headlines Today | Today India news | Breaking MALIKARJUN KHARGE News Today | English MALIKARJUN KHARGE News Headlines - TheDailyGuardian

Congress President Malikarjun Kharge Launches Attack On PM Modi Over Dibrugarh Rail Accident

July 18, 2024, 8:40 pm

In the aftermath of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh rail express accident, congress president Mallikarjun Kharge launches blistering attack on PM Narendra Modi.

While criticizing the prime minister, Mallikarjun Kharge declared on Thursday, that he must take accountability for ‘massive lapses that have plagued the Indian Railways.’

Taking to social media platform X, Kharge also alleged that Modi government has systematically compromised the safety of the railway.

Check The Tweet

The derailment of Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express in UP, is yet another instance of how Modi Govt has systematically jeopardised Rail safety.

Our deepest condolences to the families of the bereaved, and our thoughts and prayers are with the injured.

A month ago, 11 people lost…

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) July 18, 2024

In addition, he also demanded that Kavach anti-collision system introduced in all the routes at the earliest. So, that it prevents accident and improves safety.

Meanwhile on Thursday, eight coaches of the train got derailed near UP’s Gonda. Reportedly, two passengers have died and 25 have been injured.

Currently, the UP government had dispatched two teams of NDRF for carrying rescue & relief operation.

Condemning the incident, UP CM Yogi Adityanath said ‘The train accident in Gonda district is extremely sad. District administration officials have been directed to carry out relief and rescue operations on a war footing and to take the injured to the hospital on top priority and provide them with proper treatment. I pray to Lord Shri Ram for the speedy recovery of the injured.’

BJP And Congress Trade Blames Over Delhi Airport’s Roof Collapse Incident & Who Inaugurated The Portion?

June 28, 2024, 12:34 pm

India’s major political parties BJP and Congress continue to indulge in a blame game over Delhi airport’s Terminal 1 roof collapse incident.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge alleged ‘criminal negligence’ and ‘corruption’ in IGI airport roof collapse incident. And also made of list of various incidents, which allegedly expose the claim of PM creating ‘World Class Infrastructure.’

Kharge also alleged, that this portion was inaugurated by PM Modi on March 10.

Taking to X he said,

“Corruption and criminal negligence are responsible for the collapse of shoddy infrastructure falling like a deck of cards, in the past 10 years of Modi Govt…Delhi Airport (T1) roof collapse, Jabalpur airport roof collapse, Abysmal condition of Ayodhya’s new roads, Ram Mandir leakage, Cracks in Mumbai Trans Harbour Link road, 13 new bridges falling in Bihar in 2023 & 2024, Pragati Maidan Tunnel submerging, Morbi bridge collapse tragedy in Gujarat, … are some stark instances which expose the tall claims by Modi ji and BJP of creating “World Class Infrastructure”!

Check The Tweet

Corruption and criminal negligence is responsible for the collapse of shoddy infrastructure falling like a deck of cards, in the past 10 years of Modi Govt.

⏬Delhi Airport (T1) roof collapse,
⏬Jabalpur airport roof collapse,
⏬Abysmal condition of Ayodhya’s new roads,
⏬Ram…

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) June 28, 2024

He also paid condolences for victims of Delhi airport tragedy saying, that they are bearing the consequences of ‘Corrupt, Inept and Selfish Govt.’

Congress secretary Priyanka Gandhi also echoed similar arguments in hindi and questioned PM for taking responsibility of this incident saying, ‘This is the corrupt model of BJP of “take donations and give business” which has now been exposed. The question is whether the Prime Minister will take responsibility for these poor construction works and this corrupt model?’

➡️ मार्च में प्रधानमंत्री जी ने दिल्ली एयरपोर्ट टर्मिनल-1 का उद्घाटन किया था, आज उसकी छत ढह गई जिसमें एक कैब ड्राइवर की दुखद मृत्यु हो गई।

➡️ तीन महीने पहले प्रधानमंत्री जी ने जिस जबलपुर एयरपोर्ट का उद्घाटन किया था, उसकी भी छत ढह गई।

➡️ अयोध्या में निर्माण कार्यों के…

— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) June 28, 2024

What BJP Said?

Meanwhile, reacting to these allegations, BJP IT cell leader Amit Malviya claimed, that the portion of Delhi’s Terminal 1 roof was inaugurated in 2009, when UPA government was in power.

Taking to X, he said, ‘The part of T1 that collapsed was opened in 2009 when Congress-led UPA was in power. In those days there was no concept of quality check and contracts were given to whoever sent the biggest kickback to the ruling Congress. Sonia Gandhi, who was then the super PM, must answer.’

However, many netizens slammed Malviya for allegedly passing blame on others for their blunders.

One user said, ‘so what your government was doing in last 10 years, Quality Check 10 saal mein kyu nahi karaaya’

Another also said similar thing saying, Glad to see that BJP came to know this only after the collapse, otherwise they were busy where? Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas?

One even questioned, that will you blame British, if old parliament building collapses?

chup kar ja bhai. 10 saal sai BJP hi hai desh mai. rak-rakhav kya abhi bhi UPA kar rahi hai? old parliament agar aaj gir jayega toh koi British Raj ko zimmedaar bataoge?
kaha hai change of system, accountability, proactiveness of the current government?

— Chandrabhan Nathawat (@csinghnathawat) June 28, 2024

But earlier, civil aviation minister issued clarification, that they are taking this incident seriously and the portion was indeed an old building, which was inaugurated in 2009.

UGC-NET 2024 Cancelled: Mallikarjun Kharge Questions PM Modi; Opposition Leaders React

June 20, 2024, 9:23 am

The Ministry of Education’s decision to cancel the UGC-NET exam has sparked widespread criticism and accusations from opposition leaders. The cancellation, announced amidst allegations of compromised integrity, has drawn sharp reactions from prominent figures including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Kharge lambasted the government, labeling it as a “paper leak government” following the cancellation, and questioned when Prime Minister Narendra Modi would address concerns over the NEET exam. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra echoed similar sentiments, demanding accountability and accusing the BJP-led government of jeopardizing the future of youth through its alleged negligence.

The controversy intensified with the Ministry ordering a CBI investigation into the matter, amid growing calls for stringent action against those responsible. Opposition leaders, including Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, condemned the recurring failures in conducting fair examinations, stressing the urgent need for accountability from the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Meanwhile, the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) has called for immediate measures against the NTA, highlighting systemic flaws in examination processes and advocating for student protection.

The cancellation of the UGC-NET exam has not only triggered a political storm but also raised serious concerns about the credibility and security of national-level examinations under the current administration. As the controversy unfolds, demands for transparency and rectification measures are likely to intensify in the days ahead.

EC Issues Notice to Nadda, Kharge, Asking Parties to Exercise Restraint

May 22, 2024, 3:20 pm

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has instructed BJP president JP Nadda and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge to formally advise their star campaigners to correct their rhetoric, exercise caution, and maintain decorum.

This directive marks an unprecedented move by the ECI in response to the declining quality of campaign discourse by the top campaigners of both parties. The EC has strongly criticized the BJP and Congress for campaigning based on caste, community, language, and religion.

The ECI has specifically directed star campaigners from both parties to avoid religious and communal themes in their campaigns. Additionally, it has instructed the BJP to cease making speeches that could lead to societal divisions.

For the Congress, the EC has mandated that star campaigners should not make statements suggesting that the Constitution of India could be abolished or sold. Furthermore, when discussing the Agniveer scheme, Congress campaigners or candidates are advised not to politicize the defense forces or make divisive comments about the socio-economic makeup of the military.

The Commission emphasized that India’s sociocultural fabric is a lasting legacy that should not be compromised during elections. The EC has also stated that both the BJP and Congress must preserve the quality of the electoral experience for Indian voters.

The Election Commission has dismissed all allegations by the BJP and Congress against each other and has rejected their defenses. It noted that the ruling party holds extra responsibility during elections and that there should not be unlimited leeway for the Opposition either.

The first five phases of polling took place on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, and May 20. The next two rounds of voting are scheduled for May 25 and June 1. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are being conducted in seven phases over a six-week period from April 19 to June 1, with results to be announced on June 4.

PM Modi, Kharge and Gandhi pay Tribute to Jyotirao Phule

April 11, 2024, 2:12 pm

In honouring Jyotirao Phule on his 197th birthday, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge reaffirmed the party’s constant commitment to the social justice ideals that Phule reflected. He paid his respect to Phule, for his dedication to the principles of education and upliftment of women.

The Congress leader mentioned that the party’s manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections reflects the principles of social justice advocated by Mahatma Phule by saying, “In our ‘Nyay Patra’, the values of social justice shown by Mahatma Phule such as justice for youth, women, farmer, and labour, are included and we are very seriously committed to them.” The manifesto emphasizes justice demonstrating the party’s strong dedication to these ideals.

Phule was a prominent Indian social reformer, social activist, thinker, politician and writer from Maharashtra who is known for his work in promoting social justice and equality.

Rahul Gandhi also expressed his respect for Phule. He believes Phule’s example of social justice and harmony continues to inspire others.

In his words, “Tribute to the great revolutionary, Indian thinker and social worker Mahatma Jyotiba Phule on his birth anniversary. By eradicating the evils prevalent in the society, the path shown by him towards social justice and harmony continues to inspire us,”

Jyotirao Phule’s constant efforts in the areas of women’s empowerment and education, have made a long-lasting mark in the society. PM Modi expressed “Today, we pay homage to the great Mahatma Phule on his Jayanti. A visionary social reformer who dedicated his life to fighting injustice and promoting equality, his thoughts give strength to millions. His relentless efforts in the field of education and women empowerment have left an indelible mark on society. Today is an occasion to reiterate our commitment to fulfilling his vision to empower the poor and marginalized,”

On the occasion of his 197th birthday, Jyotirao Phule received honour that emphasized the lasting impact of his tireless efforts towards women’s empowerment, equality, social justice, and education. Leaders from all political lines, including Prime Minister Modi and Congressmen Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, have recognized the crucial role that Phule played in forming India’s social structure. Their words not only recognize Phule’s accomplishments but also the continued dedication to bringing his dream of a fairer and more equal society to reality. On this anniversary of Phule’s birth, all the leaders promised to work towards improving the well-being of marginalized populations and creating a more inclusive India by following his values.

Kharge and Rahul Gandhi confer with Cong leaders from Andhra Pradesh

December 28, 2023, 3:38 am

The top Congress leadership held a meeting with leaders of the party’s Andhra Pradesh unit on Wednesday to discuss the strategy for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in the southern state.
The meeting that was attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chief Rahul Gandhi and other top leaders of the party comes amid a series of such deliberations being held by the Congress high-command with its state leaders ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Taking to X, Kharge said it was an important strategy meeting where the leaders shared their thoughts on strengthening the party for the general election.
“Everyone believes that ground situation has drastically changed after government formation in Karnataka and Telangana. Every leader and worker is going to work hard and re-establish the bond which the people of Andhra Pradesh once shared with the Congress party,” Kharge said on the microblogging platform.

Talking to reporters, Congress’s Andhra Pradesh in-charge Manickam Tagore said the meeting went on for more than two hours and the party’s plans for the Lok Sabha election as well as the state Assembly polls were discussed.
“We invite all voices who believe in the Congress’s ideology to join the party to rebuild Andhra Pradesh, a dream which got lost because of the (Narendra) Modi government’s discrimination. Unkept promises of the Centre in the last 10 years have destroyed Andhra Pradesh’s development. The Congress is ready to fight the battle of 2024,” Tagore said.

Asked if the party will go for an alliance in the southern state for the Assembly and Lok Sabha polls, he said a decision in this regard will be taken by the top leadership. Tagore also said seat sharing was not discussed at the meeting.
Andhra Pradesh has 25 Lok Sabha seats, of which 22 are with the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), while the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) holds the remaining three. The YSRCP is also in power in the state and has 147 of the 175 MLAs in the Assembly.

Congress leaders compete to abuse me: PM Modi

December 1, 2022, 3:17 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made reference to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s “Ravan” remark and claimed that there is an internal race within the party to see who can insult Modi more. On December 5, as voting for the first phase of the election is to take place, Prime Minister Modi addressed a crowd in Kalol, Gujarat, about the second phase of the election. “The competition is on who can abuse Modi more, who can deliver the most stinging attack,” he said.

As he spoke, PM Modi also alluded to the “aukaat” remark made by Congress leader Madhusudan Mistry, who claimed that the election would reveal PM Modi’s “aukaat.” “Then respected Kharge ji compared me to Ravana,” Prime Minister Modi blasted the Congress.

“Some call me a demon, some call me a cockroach,” PM Modi said.

“Those who never believed in the existence of Lord Ram have now brought in (demon king) ‘Ravan’ from the Ramayana.” And, I am surprised they never expressed repentance, forget about tendering an apology, after using such cuss words for me,” the PM said.

On Tuesday, addressing a rally in Gujarat, Mallikarjun Kharge asked whether PM Modi has 100 heads as he is the face of all elections, be it the civic election or the assembly election. “PM Modi always talks about himself. ‘Don’t look at anyone, just look at Modi and vote’. How many times do we have to look at you? We have to see your face in the corporation election, the MLA election, and the MP election. Do you have 100 faces like Ravan? What is it?” Kharge said, triggering a row.

Union Minister Rajnath Singh slams Khagre over PM Modi’s remark

November 30, 2022, 4:59 pm

Rajnath Singh, the defence minister, condemned Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday for his remark on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at one of his public rallies for the Gujarat assembly elections.

Rajnath Singh, at a press conference in Ahmedabad, said, “Congress is using inappropriate words. In a healthy democracy, using inappropriate words against anyone isn’t a sign of healthy politics. Words used by Congress chief Kharge for the prime minister aren’t only his mentality but the result of the entire Congress’s mentality.” The Defense Minister added, “Prime Minister is not just an individual but an institution, and they are making such statements against the PM.”

Notably, during a poll campaign for the party, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge at a rally in the Behrampura area of Ahmedabad described PM Modi as Ravana, wherein he said, “In all these campaigns, he (Modi) only talks about himself. ‘Don’t look at anyone else, just look at Modi and vote’… how many times do we have to see your face? How many forms do you have? Do you have 100 heads like Ravan?”

Earlier on Sunday, Kharge blasted Prime Minister Modi, calling him a “leader of lies.”

The head of the Congress charged that the BJP and its top officials were using evasions to win over the public.

Addressing an election rally in Dediapada in Narmada district, Kharge had said, “They ask us, especially Modiji and Shah (Amit Shah), what the Congress has done in 70 years. If we haven’t done anything in 70 years then you wouldn’t have democracy in the country.
“A person like you (PM Modi) claims to be poor. I am also poor, am one of the untouchables. People drank your tea, nobody would’ve had my tea. Then you say that you are poor and somebody abuses you. If you say it for sympathy then people have become smarter now. If you lie once or twice people will hear but how many times will you lie? He’s the leader of lies…,” he had added.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla slams Congress over derogatory remarks on PM Modi

November 28, 2022, 3:31 pm

Shehzad Poonawalla, the national spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), took a swipe at Congress on Monday in response to the party president’s disparaging comments about Prime Minister Modi and referred to them as an “elitist dynastic party.”

After calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “leader of lies,” Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge made the harsh statement.

“Congress is a party of elitist, dynastic philosophy and mentality. The question is whereafter the party that talks about love apologises or do they support such statements made by the party leaders,” said Poonawalla.

He emphasised how the Congress party used terms like “tu chai beech” and “Chaiwala” in its disparaging remarks during the 2014 and 2016 elections.

“The Congress party cannot fathom that a person who has come from the poorest circumstances has become the Prime Minister and is taking the country to greater heights,” said Shehzad Poonawalla.

“This is not a ‘Sahyog’ rather this is ‘Prayog’ and ‘Udhyog’ of abusing Prime Minister Modi personally. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge is acquiring the sentiments of congress first family,” Poonewala said.

The Congress chief had earlier charged that the BJP and its top officials were using evasions to win over the public.

Addressing an election rally in Dediapada in Narmada district, Kharge said, “They ask us, especially Modiji and Shah (Amit shah) what the Congress has done in 70 years. If we have not done anything in 70 years then you wouldn’t have democracy in the country.”
“A person like you (PM Modi) claims to be poor. I am also poor, I am one of the untouchables. People drank your tea, nobody would’ve had my tea. Then you say that you are poor and somebody abuses you. If you say it for sympathy then people have become smarter now. If you lie once or twice people will hear but how many times will you lie? He’s the leader of lies…”

Malikarjun Kharge slams BJP-RSS for “curtailing freedom” on Constitution Day

November 27, 2022, 5:17 pm

Mallikarjun Kharge, president of the Congress and a prominent leader, blasted the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and other right-wing Hindu nationalist groups on Saturday for “curtailing freedom.” In a statement, Kharge expressed his concern that the “Indian Constitution,” which had endured for 70 years, was currently experiencing a “fundamental crisis.”

Kharge while blasting the RSS for promoting its propaganda said, “The government completely has surrendered itself and its institutions to the diktats of the RSS, an organization that pushes hateful propaganda under the garb of social service. In fact, it is no longer incorrect to use the terms RSS and BJP interchangeably.”

On the ground, the BJP-RSS cadres’ only alternative to constructive dialogue is violence,” Kharge said, alleging the children are given weapon training in public spaces and institutions.

Kharge predicted that, in honour of B.R. Ambedkar, the father of the Indian Constitution, the former would refer to the current state of affairs as “Lawless law, riddled with never-ending infringements on fundamental rights, systematically engineered by the BJP-RSS government since they have been in power.”

Slamming Rijiju, the Congress president said, “Mysterious deaths of judges, their urgent transfer before they were to pronounce judgments or their hounding when they have stood against the government, has gone unnoticed with the people. On top of it, Law Minister Kiren Rijiju lectures the executives and the judiciary by saying not to fight amongst each other.”

Kharge also raised concern over colleges and universities being used as a medium to propagate the partisan agenda and shun critical views. “History books are being rewritten to suit and perpetuate the BJP’s hateful agenda. There is moral surveillance in all public arenas. Privacy is being banished”, Kharge alleged. alleged.

“Attacks against SC/STs, the poor, and OBCs are being celebrated. Women are being blamed for atrocities inflicted on them and criminals close to the ruling party are being shielded,” claimed Kharge.

This year’s Constitution Day is themed “Bharat: Loktantra Ki Janani (India: The Mother Of Democracy).”

Since the Constituent Assembly enacted the Constitution on November 26, 1949, India has celebrated November 26 as Constitution Day, which has been recognised since 2015.

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, who oversaw the Constitution’s drafting committee, is honoured on this day.

Kharge to become first non-Gandhi Congress president in 2 decades

October 19, 2022, 2:36 pm

The party’s high-stakes presidential elections were won by Congress politician Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday, making him the party’s first non-Gandhi president in more than 20 years.

416 votes were rejected while Kharge received 7,897 votes, Tharoor received roughly 1,000 votes.

“It is a great honour & a huge responsibility to be President of @INCIndia &I wish @Kharge ji all success in that task. It was a privilege to have received the support of over a thousand colleagues,& to carry the hopes& aspirations of so many well-wishers of Congress across India,” Tharoor tweeted.

At the end of the party’s organisational elections, more than 9,500 delegates cast their ballots for president.

After Diwali, in a ceremony at the Congress headquarters with the participation of prominent officials, the newly elected president will take post, officially, according to sources.

Congress prez poll: Tharoor says ‘establishment’ with Kharge

October 17, 2022, 1:07 pm

Shashi Tharoor, one of the two contenders in the Congress presidential poll, stated that the grand old party’s resuscitation has started regardless of the outcome before the final showdown between senior Congress officials for the party president position. In a tweet, to which Tharoor was replying, praised Tharoor’s “courage despite heavy odds” and the “determination of our committed volunteers.”

“Dear Shashi Tharoor: It was an honour to be part of your campaign for Congress President. Your courage against heavy odds was matched by the determination of our dedicated volunteers. This election will spark reforms. I have no doubt. Let’s vote!” Soz tweeted.

In a tweet, Tharoor thanked Soz and the Congress volunteers “who defied the odds” and said that regardless of the result, “Congress’ resurrection has begun.”

“Thank you @SalmanSoz & our dedicated team of @incIndia volunteers who braved the odds & worked impossible hours to get our message out. Today our voting colleagues will choose the President they want. Whatever the outcome, Congress’ revival has begun,” he said.

In another tweet, Tharoor said, “Some people play safe in order not to lose. But if you just play safe, you will definitely lose.”

Despite the fact that he realised the chances were against him, he voiced confidence in his ability to win the election. “The odds have been stacked against us as the party leaders and establishment were massively with the other candidate,” Tharoor told reporters in his native district of Thiruvananthapuram, according to reports.

Since Sonia, Rahul, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are not running, Congress will elect a non-Gandhi president for the first time in more than 24 years. The electoral college, made up of over 9,000 Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) delegates, selects the party leader in a confidential vote.

Kharge on Cong prez poll: ‘Connected to Gandhi-Nehru ideology since childhood’

September 30, 2022, 3:49 pm

Senior Congress leader, Mallikarjun Kharge filed his nomination for the post of the President of Congress party at the party office in Delhi. He said he has been connected to the Gandhi-Nehru ideology since his childhood and used to campaign for the same ideology when he was in his school years.

“All leaders, workers, delegates and ministers who came in support of me today, encouraged me, I thank them. We’ll see what the results are, on October 17; hopeful that I win,” Kharge told reporters.

Kharge filed for the nomination on Friday, which is the last day for the nominations. Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Digvijaya Singh has withdrawn his name from the race for the post as he doesn’t want to contest against his senior. Rajasthan’s chief minister, Ashok Gehlot has also opted out his name from the race.

Now, Shashi Tharoor and Mallikarjun Kharge are the two main names in the contest. The names of Mukul Wasnik and Kumari Selja are also doing rounds.

Mallikarjun Kharge, Ajay Maken to meet Sonia Gandhi today over Rajasthan crisis

September 26, 2022, 10:50 am

Mallikarjun Kharge and Ajay Maken, two Congress observers who were in Rajasthan on Sunday to attend the legislature party meeting at the home of the chief minister Ashok Gehlot, are anticipated to meet Sonia Gandhi on Monday afternoon.

With Gehlot expected to run for presidential polls next month, the state is currently dealing with a new crisis. Numerous Gehlot’s supporters resigned on Sunday and handed them to Assembly Speaker CP Joshi as a result of Sachin Pilot’s name being mentioned. The resignation is reportedly from more than 80 MLAs.

The MLAs made clear to the observers their demands, emphasising that the next chief minister should be chosen after October 19, once the party’s presidential elections are over, that the Gehlot successor should be chosen from among the roughly 102 MLAs who supported the party during the 2020 crisis, and that Ashok Gehlot should be kept informed throughout the decision-making process. They were reminding the party of Sachin Pilot’s uprising against Gehlot when he visited to Haryana by bringing up the 2020 dilemma. Later, after guarantees from the senior management, he returned.

Ajay Maken said: “We came for the CLP meeting fixed by the CM at a time and date of his choice. Very strange that MLAs didn’t come for that. We also wanted to follow the procedure of speaking to individual MLAs about what they want so that they can speak freely.”

The condition that no announcement – on the chief minister – should be made before October 19 seems to be conflict of interest as resolution authorises the Congress president to take the decision, and by October 19, Ashok Gehlot would have been the Congress president,” he further said.