It 71, most politicians think that they have entered the sunset phase of their political lives, even when they are known to never retire. The ones who continue to hold powerful positions in their parties or the government at such an age are generally the ones who carry their power and glory from their younger days. However, the scenario is very different with Mallikarjun Kharge.
When the Congress chose him as its leader in the Lok Sabha after a lot of deliberations, it was an unusual choice for a defeated and dejected party. He was 71, relatively unknown despite being a Union minister twice and not considered a Congress heavyweight.
The Congress’ strength was so depleted in the 16th Lok Sabha after the 2014 General Election that it could not even lay claim to the post of the leader of the opposition. As events unfolded, and an aggressive Narendra Modi started putting his stamp in policymaking and governance, journalists started writing about the death of the Congress and the inability of its leadership under Rahul Gandhi to offer an answer to Modi’s aggression both inside and outside Parliament.
But Kharge had other plans, and he did not think that age came in the way of his performance. Instead, he is amused at the age question. “Are you suggesting that experience is of no value?” he asks, adding, “I have spent almost 52 years in politics. My experience from a block president’s position to now as the Congress president helps me in decision-making. Similarly, Sonia ji’s experience of nearly 22 years as the Congress president is unmatched. Her insights are of tremendous value to us. Therefore, our decisionmaking process is much more consultative.”
A New Leader Rises
Esta historia es de la edición December 2023 de Outlook Business.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición December 2023 de Outlook Business.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
'Automation is Redefining Efficiency and Precision in Jewellery Manufacturing'
Increasing brand consciousness and awareness among consumers is helping expand the organised jewellery retail industry. MP Ahammed, chairman of Malabar Group, discusses prominent trends in the jewellery industry
BATTLE TO WIN THE AI RACE
In Supremacy, Parmy Olson tells the astonishing and behind-the-scenes story of the battle between the world’s two leading artificial intelligence firms, OpenAl and DeepMind and the continuing rivalry of its founders Sam Altman and Demis Hassabis respectively
A LEADER WHO EMPOWERS
Anshul Arzare, MD and CEO of YES SECURITIES, wants to ensure a workplace where employees not only contribute to the company's vision but also feel content
EV Unplugged
Electric vehicles are crucial to India’s climate change plan. But reliance on China for imports and technology constraints remain hurdles the sector needs to overcome
Every Lamborghini Owner is a Brand Ambassador
Regional director of Automobili Lamborghini, Francesco Scardaoni, talks to Prachi Khanna about the brand’s approach to fostering a sense of community among its vehicle owners. Edited excerpts
NO ZEST FOR ZED
A government initiative to green MSMEs is not finding enough takers
SMALL PLANTS, BIG TROUBLE
Climate-triggered stress is placing an unprecedented burden on small businesses. But a lack of access to climate aid hinders the sector's ability to adopt greener methods
'We Think About the Rider More Than Any Other Company
Rapido co-founder Aravind Sanka talks to Neeraj Thakur and Deepsekhar Choudhury about how flexibility and fair pay helped his company disrupt the Ola-Uber duopoly. Edited excerpts
LABOUR PANGS
Rising cost of living in a fast-growing economy is making workers restless
'Hustle is No Virtue'
It has become fashionable to talk about the verb “hustle” these days, especially in professional settings.