'You Useless Fellows': Mallikarjun Kharge Loses Cool as Congress Workers Raise 'DK-DK' Slogans at Bengaluru Event (Watch Video)

All India Congress Committee (AICC) President Mallikarjun Kharge visibly lost his temper at party workers during a state-level convention on Sunday, strongly rebuking attendees who interrupted the event with slogans dedicated to an individual leader. The incident took place during the party's Sankalpa Samavesha programme in Bengaluru, an event designed to project organizational unity and reinforce party strategy ahead of upcoming political challenges.

The disruption began as Kharge was preparing to address the gathering. A faction of party workers inside the venue began chanting "DK-DK" slogans, in reference to Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress Chief D.K. Shivakumar. The loud chants visibly irritated the veteran leader, prompting an immediate and sharp intervention from the stage. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Loses Cool as ‘DK, DK’ Slogans Raised at MGNREGA Protest Rally (Watch Video).

"Will the entire country be affected if you shout here? This is not an individual’s programme, it is a party programme. You useless fellows," Kharge said, addressing the sloganeers directly. Emphasizing that the Congress party functions on collective ideology rather than personality cults, Kharge reminded the gathering of his own extensive tenure in public service.

"There is no worship of individuals here. We are here for the party program which brings all of us together," he added. "I have 58 years of political experience. Many leaders have come here; although their contribution to the party is small, the party has given them a very big contribution."

The Congress president concluded his reprimand with a stern warning of disciplinary consequences, noting that the event was being recorded. He stated that the leadership would review the video footage of the convention to identify those responsible for the disruption and take appropriate action. Karnataka: Supporters Distribute Sweets, Raise Slogans Outside Depy CM DK Shivakumar's Residence Amid Imminent Leadership Change.

Mallikarjun Kharge Loses Cool Over ‘DK’ Slogans at Bengaluru Event 

While the event was meant to showcase cohesion, observers note that the slogan-shouting underscores the persistent internal dynamics within the Karnataka Congress unit. The state chapter has frequently seen displays of loyalty divided between major power centers, primarily involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.

Kharge’s sharp reaction reflects the high command's ongoing effort to curb public displays of factionalism and enforce strict organizational discipline ahead of critical legislative and local body evaluations. Senior state leaders present on the dais remained silent during the outburst as Kharge restored order to continue the proceedings.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 21, 2026 05:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).