Kharge's "Chanakya" Moment: When Congress President's Parliamentary Quip Sparked Cross-Party Laughter

During Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's passionate address on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, a humorous exchange occurred when party colleague Jairam Ramesh provided a timely prompt from his seat behind.

While criticizing the government about the rupee's decline, Kharge addressed Union Home Minister Amit Shah, referring to him as Prime Minister Modi's principal advisor and executive. At this moment, Ramesh whispered "Chanakya" - the nickname often given to Shah for his strategic political acumen, comparing him to the legendary advisor of Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.

Kharge incorporated the suggestion, then turned and gestured towards Ramesh, remarking, "A Chanakya is sitting here too," triggering laughter across the parliamentary chamber. The moment of levity was enjoyed by members from both political divides, with Congress MPs Ramesh and Digvijaya Singh smiling alongside Home Minister Shah and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari quickly seized upon the interaction, sharing video footage with the caption: "Internal Fight out in the open! Mallikarjun Kharge TROLLS Jairam Ramesh!"

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In his speech, Kharge emphasized the Congress party's historical connection to Vande Mataram, asserting that it was Congress that established the tradition of singing it at conventions. He challenged the treasury benches: "Did you do it?"

Kharge accused the Prime Minister and Home Minister of consistently disrespecting Jawaharlal Nehru, particularly regarding claims that Nehru-led Congress had removed parts of Vande Mataram. Addressing allegations of Muslim appeasement, he questioned the BJP's own past alliances: "When you formed a government in Bengal in alliance with the Muslim League, where was your patriotism? Read your history."

The Congress chief elaborated that in 1937, the Congress Working Committee unanimously resolved that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram would be sung at national events. "Was Nehruji alone? Why are you targeting him? If you are trying to target Nehruji's image, it is impossible," he declared.

This isn't the first time Ramesh's prompting of Kharge has drawn attention. In July 2024, then Vice President and Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar had commented on this practice, suggesting that the "intelligent, gifted and talented" Ramesh should take Kharge's position as Leader of Opposition.

Kharge had responded sharply, accusing Dhankhar: "Don't divide, still in your mind, the varna system is there. That's why you are calling Ramesh very intelligent, and I am dull." Dhankhar subsequently claimed he had been misunderstood.