Mallikarjun Kharge Credits Sonia Gandhi for Rajya Sabha Ascent

Mallikarjun Kharge has secured an unopposed seat in the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka, marking the 13th milestone in a career he credits largely to the backing of Sonia Gandhi. The Congress president expressed public gratitude for the chairperson's role in providing him consistent opportunities to serve within the party ranks.

Editorial·June 12, 2026·reads: 1,444

Mallikarjun Kharge Credits Sonia Gandhi for Rajya Sabha Ascent

The path to the upper house was cleared after the withdrawal period concluded, rendering the scheduled June 18 election unnecessary. Kharge joins a cohort of four newly elected members, including Congress figures Mansoor Ali Khan and Pawan Khera, alongside the BJP's M Nagaraja. The field narrowed following the invalidation of an independent candidate's nomination during the initial scrutiny phase.

This election is part of a broader cycle of biennial polls for 24 seats across states such as Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. By securing this position, Kharge reinforces his standing within the organization, effectively transitioning from the scrutiny of a competitive race to the stability of an uncontested tenure.