Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge delivered a pointed rebuttal to senior Congress leader and former minister K N Rajanna's assertion that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is indispensable for the party's electoral success in the state, insisting that no single individual defines the Congress's strength or vote-pulling capacity.

Rajanna had publicly lavished praise on Siddaramaiah, describing him as an unmatched mass leader and electoral asset, going as far as to claim that without the Chief Minister's personal appeal, the Congress would struggle to secure votes, regardless of differing opinions within the party.

Kharge strongly rejected such personality-driven narratives, arguing that they undermine the Congress's deep-rooted institutional framework and historic organisational legacy spanning 140 years, during which leadership has consistently emerged collectively rather than revolving around any one figure.

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The Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister emphasised practical realities of party functioning, noting that candidates require the official B-Form from the Congress high command, and elections are contested on the foundation of the party's enduring leadership, ideals, and principles, making it inappropriate to question the organisation's role after enjoying power.

The exchange gained added significance as Siddaramaiah recently surpassed the record of former Chief Minister D Devaraj Urs to become Karnataka's longest-serving Chief Minister, highlighting ongoing internal discussions about leadership dynamics and the balance between individual charisma and the party's collective identity within the ruling Congress.

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