Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge Praises Stalin, Calls April 23 Polls a Battle to Protect Democracy
Image Source : @INCIndia CONGRESS
Dated 19th April 2026
News By Dr. B R Abdul Wajid
Editor in Chief
Hosur (Tamil Nadu) | Mallikarjun Kharge, President of the Indian National Congress, addressed a large public gathering in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, where he strongly praised the leadership of M. K. Stalin and highlighted the importance of protecting democracy, federalism and social justice in the country.
Kharge began his speech by greeting the people of Tamil Nadu and appreciating the state’s rich legacy of social justice, equality and rational thinking shaped by great leaders like Periyar E. V. Ramasamy, C. N. Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi. He said Tamil Nadu continues to be a guiding force for the nation under the leadership of the DMK and its alliance with the Congress party.
Highlighting a recent development in Parliament, Kharge said the Congress-DMK alliance, along with other opposition parties, achieved a “historic and moral victory” by defeating what he called the BJP’s attempt to change the democratic balance through delimitation. He alleged that the move was aimed at reducing the political representation of progressive states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.
VIDEO | Highlights | Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge addressing the gathering in Hosur | Source : @INCIndia CONGRESS.
Kharge said the opposition strongly resisted this move and credited the people of Tamil Nadu and Chief Minister Stalin for creating awareness and mobilising public opinion against it. He thanked the people of the state for standing firmly in defence of their rights.
Speaking on federalism, Kharge said the fight was not just about seats but about protecting the dignity and identity of states. He criticised the BJP’s “One Nation, One Culture” approach and said Tamil Nadu stands for unity in diversity, strong federalism and communal harmony.
He warned that despite the recent victory, the larger battle is yet to be fought in the upcoming elections. He accused the BJP of misusing central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate to target opposition leaders and said such actions are against democratic values.
Images Source : @INCIndia CONGRESS
Praising the governance model of the DMK-Congress alliance, Kharge said the Tamil Nadu government has successfully implemented welfare schemes, strengthened women empowerment, and improved education and healthcare. He noted that initiatives like free bus travel and financial assistance have helped lakhs of women gain dignity and independence.
At the same time, Kharge criticised the BJP government for rising prices, unemployment and weakening democratic institutions. He accused the party of spreading hatred and dividing society, while stating that the Congress and its allies stand for unity and inclusive development.
Calling the April 23 election a crucial ideological battle, Kharge urged voters to support Chief Minister Stalin and the Secular Progressive Alliance. He also referred to Rahul Gandhi and Stalin as leaders who are being targeted because they stand against divisive politics.
Addressing youth, women, farmers, and workers, Kharge said their future, dignity and livelihoods are at stake in this election. He expressed confidence that the people of Tamil Nadu will once again stand for secularism, social justice and democracy.
He called upon voters to come out in large numbers and ensure victory for the alliance, stating that the election results will send a strong message across the country in favour of unity and harmony.
Image Source : @INCIndia CONGRESS
Mallikarjun Kharge expressed strong confidence that the people of Tamil Nadu will once again stand firmly for democracy, secularism and social justice. He said the upcoming election will be a decisive moment to protect the Constitution and defeat divisive forces, adding that a strong mandate for the DMK-Congress alliance under M. K. Stalin will send a powerful message across the country in favour of unity, inclusiveness and good governance.
News By Dr. B R Abdul Wajid
