Health concerns cast shadow on Kharge’s Kohima trip

KOHIMA — Speculations continue over All India Congress Committee (AICC) President and MP Mallikarjun Kharge’s scheduled visit to Kohima, as updates about his health fuel uncertainty about the trip.

Kharge was slated to address a public rally on October 7 at 11 am at Naga Solidarity Park, and to hold meetings with the Political Affairs Committee (PAC), Core Committee, and District Congress Committee (DCC) presidents.

On October 1, his son, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, tweeted that Kharge had been advised to undergo a pacemaker implantation and was admitted for the procedure, adding that he was stable and doing well.

Also read: AICC President Kharge to address rally in Kohima on Oct. 7

He later updated on social media platform X: “Medical update: The pacemaker implantation procedure for Sri Kharge was successfully completed earlier today. It was a short and minor procedure, and he has been stable after the procedure.”

Priyank Kharge also mentioned that the 83-year-old Congress chief is expected to resume work from October 3 and attend his scheduled engagements.

“Our gratitude for the concern, support, and affection extended by all,” he added, acknowledging the widespread messages of goodwill from party members and supporters.

Political leaders from different parties have extended their wishes for Kharge’s speedy recovery.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted on October 2: “Spoke to Kharge Ji. Enquired about his health and wished him a speedy recovery. Praying for his continued well-being and long life.”

Several senior Congress leaders also expressed their support, underlining Kharge’s dedication and resilience despite his age.

Meanwhile, Kharge himself posted on October 2: “My sincere thanks to the Congress cadres, leaders, and supporters for the outpouring of wishes. My deepest gratitude.”

He added, “I intend to start my work schedule soon,” reposting messages from the official Congress account wishing him strength and good health.

Despite these assurances, a national-level Congress leader informed Eastern Mirror on Thursday afternoon that “the trip is postponed,” without providing further details or a revised schedule.

Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) President and MP Lok Sabha S Supongemeren Jamir told this newspaper Thursday evening that a final decision on the visit would be taken on Friday: “Will decide by tomorrow.”

Kharge’s visit was to include a public rally in Kohima along with AICC General Secretary and MP K.C. Venugopal, and AICC in-charge for Nagaland, Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, also an MP.

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