Mallikarjun Kharge Grateful for Rajya Sabha Election, Thanks Congress Party and Leadership

AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday expressed gratitude to the Congress party, its leadership, especially Sonia Gandhi, and the people of Karnataka for electing him to the Rajya Sabha. He stressed that this was the 13th election of his political career and this could be his last. This would be the second Rajya Sabha term for the 83-year-old veteran leader. Earlier, he has been a multiple-time MLA in Karnataka and a Lok Sabha member from the state. According to news agency PTI, Kharge said, "I am truly fortunate. This is my 13th election and the Congress party has given me an opportunity to serve the people. I am also grateful to Sonia Gandhi. She has given me an opportunity to serve the people. I am very proud of my party and the people." Mallikarjun Kharge further said, "I also congratulate all the Congress workers who supported and helped me during my tenure as MLA and Member of Parliament for so many years." He said, "I am also grateful to the people of Karnataka for making me stand as a three-time representative of the Congress, including Thursday.