Mallikarjun Kharge hospitalised: Son says planned pacemaker implant procedure; 83-year-old leader stable

NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was admitted to MS Ramaiah Hospital in Bengaluru on Wednesday after doctors advised him to have a pacemaker implanted.

His son, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, tweeted, "Sri Kharge was advised pacemaker to be implanted and is admitted to the hospital for the planned procedure. He is stable and doing well."

Sri Kharge was advised pacemaker to be implanted and is admitted to the hospital for the planned procedure. He is stable and doing well.

Grateful to all of you for your concern and wishes.

— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) October 1, 2025

Kharge, 83, and leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, was taken to the hospital on Tuesday after developing a fever and complaining of leg pain. A Congress leader told PTI , "He is fine, nothing to worry. Doctors are monitoring."

Earlier, on September 24, Kharge participated in an extended Congress Working Committee meeting in Patna, Bihar. He is scheduled to address a public rally in Kohima, Nagaland, on October 7. The rally, themed “Safe Democracy, Safe Secularism, and Safe Nagaland,” is expected to draw at least 10,000 people and will focus on youth employment, entrepreneurship, good governance, and road connectivity.

Congress MP Jamir said the rally is more than a party event, serving as a platform to highlight challenges facing Nagaland and the Northeast. "We urge citizens, especially minorities, to join and voice their concerns, which will be carried forward by regional leaders," he said. Kharge will be accompanied by national leaders including Congress General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal and Nagaland in-charge MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka.