Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Congress leaders have dismissed the BJP’s allegations that party president Mallikarjun Kharge was made to wait outside while Priyanka Gandhi filed her nomination for the Wayanad by-poll. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal clarified that Kharge was present and waited briefly along with Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, who also arrived as the door was momentarily locked.
Venugopal, speaking to ANI, said, “This is an outright lie. The door was shut for a moment when Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi arrived; they waited briefly, as did Mr. Kharge. There was no disrespect, and it’s appalling how BJP spreads such baseless claims.”
The BJP had claimed that Kharge was “humiliated,” with National Spokesperson CR Kesavan calling it “appalling” treatment of a senior Dalit leader. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma went further, alleging that the Congress “insults” Dalits within the party.
Priyanka Gandhi filed her nomination on Wednesday at the Kalpetta district collector’s office. Before the nomination, she and Rahul Gandhi led a large rally in Kalpetta, where she expressed gratitude for the people of Wayanad’s support. The Wayanad by-poll is scheduled for November 13, following Rahul Gandhi’s decision to vacate the seat in favor of Rae Bareli.
