Goa, June 2 -- The Goa Congress is facing backlash after a banner displayed during the Statehood Day celebrations in Panaji omitted the image of party national president Mallikarjun Kharge. The banner featured prominent leaders such as Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, state Congress president Amit Patkar, and Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao-but Kharge's absence has sparked political controversy.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) quickly pounced on the omission, accusing the Congress of sidelining and disrespecting its Dalit leader. Sharing the banner on its official X handle, the BJP claimed the party had humiliated its own president and questioned its commitment to inclusivity, especially toward Dalit representation.

In response, Goa...