Key Points:
- Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, 83, admitted to MS Ramaiah Hospital in Bengaluru late Tuesday night, September 30, 2025
- Hospitalization triggered by persistent fever, leg pain, and breathing difficulties requiring immediate medical attention
- Doctors conducting comprehensive medical tests and full health check-up; condition reported as stable and non-critical
- Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha remains under close medical observation until condition fully stabilizes
- Kharge scheduled to visit Kohima on October 7 to address rally expected to draw 10,000 attendees
- Political leaders across party lines express concerns and wishes for speedy recovery on social media
- Kharge has maintained demanding schedule since assuming AICC presidency in October 2022
Bengaluru: Congress President and All India Congress Committee (AICC) Chairman Mallikarjun Kharge was admitted to MS Ramaiah Hospital in Bengaluru late Tuesday night after experiencing multiple health complications including persistent fever, leg pain, and breathing issues. The 83-year-old veteran leader, who also serves as Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, was rushed to the renowned medical facility after his condition suddenly deteriorated.
According to party sources who confirmed the hospitalization on Wednesday morning, Kharge complained of persistent high fever accompanied by discomfort in his legs, prompting immediate medical intervention. sources additionally reported that the Congress chief developed breathing difficulties, adding to concerns about his condition.
Medical Team Conducts Comprehensive Evaluation
Upon arrival at MS Ramaiah Hospital, a specialized team of doctors immediately initiated a series of medical examinations and diagnostic tests to assess Kharge’s overall health condition. The hospital medical team is conducting a thorough full-body check-up to determine the underlying causes of his symptoms and ensure comprehensive evaluation of his health status.
“The leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha was taken to hospital on Tuesday as he developed fever and complained of leg pain. He is fine, nothing to worry. Doctors are monitoring,” a senior Congress leader told PTI, seeking to reassure party workers and supporters nationwide.
Condition Stable but Under Close Observation
Following preliminary examinations, medical professionals treating Kharge have indicated that his condition is stable and not critical, though he will remain hospitalized under close medical observation until his health fully stabilizes. “He is doing fine. There is nothing to worry about,” hospital sources confirmed, emphasizing that the hospitalization was precautionary to ensure proper monitoring.
The medical team is continuing to conduct additional tests to identify the root cause of the persistent fever and other symptoms. Hospital administration is expected to release a detailed official health bulletin providing comprehensive updates on Kharge’s condition and treatment plan.
Concerns Over Demanding Political Schedule
The hospitalization has drawn attention to the grueling schedule maintained by the octogenarian leader since assuming the Congress presidency in October 2022. As the first non-Gandhi family member to lead the party in 24 years, Kharge has been at the forefront of numerous electoral battles across India, leading the party’s strategy in crucial state elections and national political campaigns.
Party insiders note that Kharge’s health has been a subject of public concern in recent years due to his extremely busy political agenda, which includes extensive travel, rallies, organizational meetings, and parliamentary duties. Despite his advanced age, the veteran leader has maintained an active presence in both parliamentary proceedings and grassroots political activities.
Scheduled Kohima Visit on October 7
The timing of Kharge’s hospitalization is particularly significant as he is scheduled to visit Kohima, Nagaland, on October 7, 2025, just days from now. Lok Sabha MP S Supongmeren Jamir announced during a press conference at Congress Bhavan in Kohima that Kharge is expected to address a major public rally at Naga Solidarity Park, with at least 10,000 people anticipated to attend.
The rally, themed “Safe Democracy, Safe Secularism, and Safe Nagaland,” is planned to address critical issues including youth employment, entrepreneurship, good governance, and road connectivity in the northeastern state. Along with Kharge, national leaders including Congress General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal and the party’s Nagaland in-charge, Odisha MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, are scheduled to participate.
The event will be followed by separate meetings between Kharge and senior members of the Congress Political Affairs Committee, Pro-Committee, and presidents of various District Congress Committees (DCCs). Party officials have not yet indicated whether Kharge’s hospitalization will affect these planned engagements.
Nationwide Concern and Cross-Party Well-Wishes
News of Kharge’s hospitalization triggered an immediate wave of concern among Congress workers and supporters throughout India. Senior party leaders have been reaching out through phone calls to inquire about his health and coordinate party activities in his absence.
Significantly, political leaders from across the ideological spectrum have transcended party lines to express their wishes for Kharge’s speedy recovery through messages on social media platforms. The outpouring of concern from opposition and ruling party members alike highlights Kharge’s stature as a seasoned and widely respected politician with a distinguished record spanning decades of public service.
Distinguished Political Career
Mallikarjun Kharge’s political journey spans over five decades, making him one of India’s most experienced parliamentarians. Before assuming the Congress presidency, he served in various ministerial positions in the Union Cabinet and held leadership roles in Karnataka state politics, where he represented constituencies for multiple terms in both the state assembly and national parliament.
His election as AICC President in October 2022 marked a significant moment in Congress party history, as he became the first non-Gandhi family member to lead the organization in nearly a quarter-century. Since taking charge, Kharge has been instrumental in reorganizing party structures, leading opposition coordination efforts in Parliament, and strategizing for electoral contests across multiple states.
Hospital Expected to Issue Official Statement
Party sources indicate that a formal statement from Kharge’s office regarding his current health status and treatment plan is expected to be released soon. The hospital administration is coordinating with the Congress leadership to provide timely updates while respecting medical privacy protocols.
Medical experts monitoring his condition have assured that the 83-year-old leader is receiving comprehensive care and that all necessary diagnostic procedures are being conducted to ensure proper treatment. The focus remains on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of his fever and associated symptoms before determining when he can be safely discharged.
As India’s principal opposition party navigates crucial political developments ahead of upcoming state elections and the 2029 general elections, Kharge’s health remains a matter of significant concern for the Congress organization and the broader political landscape.
