Kharge’s Omission Stirs Controversy in Lead-up to G20 Summit Gala Dinner.
In a surprising twist ahead of the highly anticipated G20 Summit, controversy has erupted over the omission of Congress chief and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, from the guest list for the summit’s gala dinner. Kharge, who not only holds a cabinet-level position but also leads the country’s largest opposition party, was notably absent from the invitations extended to all cabinet and state ministers, as well as chief ministers.
Sources close to the matter have revealed that leaders from various political parties have also been left off the guest list, raising questions about the criteria for inclusion. The exclusive roster encompasses Secretaries to the Government of India and several other distinguished figures, underscoring the high-profile nature of the event.
However, former Prime Ministers Dr. Manmohan Singh and HD Deve Gowda were extended invitations, reflecting a nod to their significant contributions to Indian politics.
Confirming their attendance, Chief Ministers from Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Punjab, among others, have added weight to the occasion. Their presence highlights the significance of the G20 Summit on a global scale.
To ensure the smooth execution of the event, meticulous planning has been undertaken, factoring in the expected VVIP movements and associated traffic constraints. Invited guests have been instructed to assemble at Parliament House, from where they will be transported to Bharat Mandapam and back in special arrangements.
The gala dinner will unfold at Bharat Mandapam, a recently revamped complex within the India Trade Promotion Organisation located in Pragati Maidan, Delhi. This spacious venue has been selected to accommodate not only the guests but also a brief cultural program that will accompany the main event.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to personally welcome visiting leaders, a gesture of diplomatic significance. This will be followed by a working lunch, further emphasizing the importance of the summit in fostering international dialogue and cooperation.
The G20 Summit itself is set to be a momentous gathering of global leaders, converging at the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) complex in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi on September 9 and 10. The confirmed attendance of eminent figures such as US President Joe Biden, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, and UK PM Rishi Sunak underscores the event’s global relevance.
The scale of delegations is expected to be substantial, with each averaging between 150 to 200 members. Factoring in security personnel, media representatives, and support staff, Bharat Mandapam is projected to host an estimated 10,000 individuals over the course of the event.
In response to Kharge’s unexpected exclusion, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing critique of the BJP-led government. He asserted that the decision reflects a disregard for a leader who represents a significant portion of India’s population. This development has added an unexpected layer of intrigue and controversy to the lead-up of the G20 Summit gala dinner, inviting further scrutiny and speculation surrounding the event. As the summit approaches, all eyes will be on Bharat Mandapam, where leaders from around the world will gather for crucial discussions on global issues and international cooperation.
