Will have no shame in taking advice and support of Gandhi family: Kharge

Bengaluru:

Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday said he would have no shame in taking the advice and support of the Gandhi family in running the party affairs, in case he becomes its President, as they have struggled and put their strength for its growth.

The veteran leader said that he is the “delegates’ candidate” in this polls to the party’s highest post, scheduled for October 17. “They say such things as there is nothing else to tell. BJP indulges in such a campaign and others follow it. Sonia Gandhi has worked for 20 years in the organisation...Rahul Gandhi was also president...they have struggled for the party and put their strength for its growth,” Kharge said responding to a question about talk that he would be the remote control of the Gandhi family on becoming the AICC President.

Speaking to reporters here, he highlighted that the NehruGandhi family has contributed immensely and sacrificed for this country from Jawaharlal Nehru to Indira Gandhi to Rajiv Gandhi to Sonia Gandhi. “Just because we (Congress) lost a few elections, saying such a thing (against Gandhis) is not right.

They have done good for this country, their advice will benefit the party, so I will definitely seek their advice and support. There is no shame in it. If something benefits from your (media) advice, I will take it as well.

They have worked for this party and taking their advice is my duty,” Kharge said. “Further Sonia and Rahul Gandhi know every nook and corner of the country, who is where and who can do what for the party. What has to be done to have unity in the party, I need to learn and I will do it,” he added. The Member of Rajya Sabha today met some Congress leaders and addressed the media, as part of his campaign trail here. He is pitted against Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor.