Bengaluru: Leaders cutting across party lines have hailed Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge's maiden ‘Dakhni Hindi’ speech as a fantastic effort by any South Indian politician in recent times.
Former parliamentary affairs ministers S. Suresh Kumar from BJP and M.C. Nanaiah from JD(S) termed Mr Kharge's speech as measured and dignified befitting his legacy of wit and sarcasm. For these leaders Mr Kharge has not only changed drastically, he has shown that he has matured into a national leader with age and experience.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Mr Nanaiah, who worked with Mr Kharge when he was the Opposition leader from 1994-99 in the Assembly pointed out that Mr Kharge appeared a bit aggressive in his maiden speech, but it was not his fault as the tone and tenure had to be such after BJP leader, Rajeev Pratap Rudy’s criticism of the Congress party.
"Despite such limitations, Mr Kharge stood his ground and was dignified in his approach towards his opponents. His entire 45 minute speech reminded me of the old Kharge, who took on us (Janata parivar government) single handedly. His speech was laced with sarcasm and wit, which is his trade mark," he said.
Another former parliamentary affairs minister, Suresh Kumar who worked with Mr Kharge, when he was leader of the Opposition between 2008-09, stated that the veteran Congressman had announced his arrival in the Lok Sabha with a big bang.
"Mr Kharge's speech assumes significance as he delivered a loaded speech when the entire party's morale is at its lowest ebb. In this context, his speech was definitely inspiring to party leaders and the cadre. The party has come under severe criticism from within and outside, so whoever is leading the charge in the Lok Sabha will have to show enough aggression but be careful that he does not cross the limits. Mr Kharge has succeeded in proving he is a dignified and crisp speaker," Mr Kumar said.
Concurring both former parliamentary affairs minister, former chairman of legislative council, Dr B.L. Shankar said Mr Kharge did not appear stressed nor did he sound like someone out to impress members. "When he delivered his speech, he was his own man. He does his homework very well. Every time, he has come to the House, he has come well prepared which reflected in his maiden speech too," he observed.
