Title: Congress Chief Kharge Snubbed at Priyanka Gandhi's Nomination? Here's What Really Happened
The political drama surrounding Priyanka Gandhi's nomination for the Wayanad bypolls took a sharp turn when a video showing Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge waiting outside the collector's office went viral. The BJP quickly seized the opportunity to accuse Congress of disrespecting its leader, claiming it highlighted an underlying bias against Dalits. Here's a detailed look at what unfolded and the subsequent political storm.
The Incident
On October 24, 2024, Priyanka Gandhi, contesting the Wayanad bypolls after her brother Rahul Gandhi vacated the seat, was set to file her nomination at the district collector’s office in Kalpetta. She was scheduled to arrive after a rally but, running behind schedule, left the rally early while Kharge was still addressing the crowd.
Priyanka arrived at the office with her husband, Robert Vadra, and their son. The process, as per Election Commission rules, was videographed. Although the Congress president and other senior leaders like Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were expected to attend, the returning officer informed Priyanka that only one proposer was required to submit the first set of nomination papers. As a result, Priyanka completed the filing with her family present.
Kharge's Wait Outside: What Went Viral
Minutes later, Sonia Gandhi, Kharge, and KC Venugopal arrived at the venue. However, during the scrutiny of the papers, the guard at the collector’s office did not allow Kharge and others to enter, as per protocol. This moment, where Kharge was seen waiting outside, went viral on social media, and the BJP took the opportunity to criticize the Congress.
Political Reactions
The viral video sparked a major political debate. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and other BJP leaders accused Congress of disrespecting Kharge, highlighting it as a reflection of the party's alleged disregard for the Dalit community. In a sharp statement, the BJP said, "The way Mallikarjun Kharge was kept out of the room during Priyanka Vadra's nomination today shows how much the Congress family disrespects Dalits. If they can insult their own president, what can Dalit communities expect?"
The Full Story: What Really Happened
While the BJP and a section of social media focused on Kharge waiting outside, what was overlooked was that the delay occurred due to procedural scrutiny. Both Kharge and Rahul Gandhi were called inside after the first set of nomination papers was scrutinized. Kharge, alongside Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, was present when Priyanka submitted the second set of nomination papers.
Supporters of Congress were quick to point out that the situation was a procedural requirement and not a deliberate insult. Photos surfaced showing Kharge with the Gandhi family during the later stages of the nomination process, countering the narrative being circulated.
Conclusion: A Political Storm in a Teacup?
While the incident of Kharge waiting outside briefly became a political flashpoint, the full story paints a different picture. The procedural delay was used by the BJP to attack Congress, but it seems to have been an unavoidable part of the nomination process. Whether this controversy will have long-term political consequences remains to be seen, but it has certainly added a fresh layer of intrigue to the Wayanad bypolls.
This blog covers the incident comprehensively, explaining both sides of the story. Let me know if you'd like to add or tweak anything!
Reference from :-https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/mallikarjun-kharge-snubbed-priyanka-gandhi-wayanad-nomination-filing-video-bjp-2622391-2024-10-24