The journey of Mallikarjun Kharge, the National President of the Indian National Congress, represents a powerful story of perseverance, educational commitment, and public service. Having survived a catastrophic personal loss during his early childhood, he continued his academic pursuits without interruption. He completed his Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree and subsequently earned his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree to become a law graduate. Starting his career in legal practice representing labor unions, Kharge entered electoral politics and established an extraordinary record of winning 10 consecutive elections.
The 1948 Tragedy and Razakar Attack
Mallikarjun Kharge was born on July 21, 1942, in Varavatti village, located in the Bidar district of Karnataka. He was born to Mapanna Kharge and Sabavva. In 1948, when he was just seven years old, a devastating incident permanently altered his life. During the rule of the Hyderabad princely state prior to its integration with India, the Razakars, a pro-Nizam private militia, launched an attack on his native village.
The Razakar militia set fire to Kharge's home. His mother, Sabavva, and his sister were burned alive inside the house as young Kharge watched. His father, Mapanna Kharge, who was working in the agricultural fields at the time, managed to reach the spot and rescue the young boy. Following this trauma, the family relocated to Gulbarga to rebuild their lives. Later in 1948, the Indian government executed Operation Polo, integrating the Hyderabad princely state into the Indian Union.
Educational Pathway: From Schooling to Law Degree
Despite the traumatic dislocation and economic hardships, Mallikarjun Kharge prioritized his education. He completed his primary and secondary schooling at Nutan Vidyalaya in Gulbarga (now officially known as Kalaburagi), Karnataka. He then enrolled at the Government Degree College in Gulbarga, which was then affiliated with Karnataka University Dharwad, and successfully graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree.
Determined to enter the legal profession, Kharge pursued higher studies in law at Seth Shankar Lal Lahoti Law College in Gulbarga. He earned his LLB degree, completing his qualifications as a graduate professional holding both BA and LLB degrees.
Legal Practice, Union Advocacy, and Early Politics
After acquiring his law degree, Mallikarjun Kharge began practicing law as a junior advocate under the guidance of senior jurist Justice Shivaraj Patil. As a practicing lawyer, Kharge focused heavily on labor rights and worker welfare. He represented various trade unions and worker organizations in legal disputes and served as the legal advisor to the MSK Mills Employees Union. This practical experience working with labor movements provided a firm foundation for his future political career.
His involvement in leadership began during his college years when he served as the General Secretary of the Student Union at Government Degree College Gulbarga. In 1969, he formally joined the Indian National Congress and was soon appointed President of the Gulbarga City Congress Committee. On the personal front, Kharge married Radhabhai on May 13, 1968. The couple has two daughters and three sons. His son, Priyank Kharge, is an active politician in Karnataka who has served as a state cabinet minister.
Record of 10 Consecutive Electoral Victories
Mallikarjun Kharge contested his first major election in 1972, standing as a candidate for the Karnataka Legislative Assembly from the Gurmitkal constituency and securing victory. This marked the beginning of an unbroken streak in electoral politics. He went on to win nine consecutive state assembly elections from Gurmitkal and nearby regions. In 2009, he successfully transitioned to national elections by winning a seat in the Lok Sabha, completing a milestone of 10 consecutive election wins.
Over his decades-long career, Kharge held multiple key ministerial portfolios at both state and national levels. In the Karnataka state government, he served as minister overseeing Education, Rural Development, Panchayat Raj, Revenue, Home, Transport, and Water Resources. At the federal level, he held cabinet portfolios as the Minister of Railways and the Minister of Labour and Employment. Between 2014 and 2019, he served as the Leader of the Congress party in the Lok Sabha. In 2021, he entered the Rajya Sabha and took on the role of Leader of the Opposition.
Election as Congress National President
In October 2022, Mallikarjun Kharge was elected National President of the Indian National Congress. His election marked the first time in nearly 24 years, since Sitaram Kesri, that a leader outside the Gandhi family was chosen to lead the party. Rising from childhood displacement to obtaining professional law degrees and heading a major national political organization, Kharge's trajectory remains a notable chapter in modern Indian governance.
