Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge concealed a veiled attack against the Opposition in his appeal to voters. As voting for the fifth phase of the India general elections 2024 began on Monday, Kharge asked people to "vote for democracy, not for dictatorship."

In a post on X, Mallikarjun Kharge said, "My dear countrymen, If you want to protect democracy and the Constitution, you must vote. Before pressing the button on the EVM, remember that we have to vote for love and brotherhood, not for hatred," said Kharge.