Pabitra Margherita Heads to South Africa for G20 Meet, Fires Political Salvo at Congress

Union Minister Pabitra Margherita is set to travel to South Africa to represent India at the G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting, where global leaders will deliberate on key developmental priorities, including inclusive growth and international cooperation.

According to official sources, Margherita will also visit the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Kingdom of Lesotho during the trip. He is expected to hold several high-level meetings to strengthen India’s diplomatic and developmental partnerships in the African region.

“The G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting will cover a broad range of global developmental challenges. Minister Margherita will represent India’s position and commitment to inclusive, sustainable development,” a government statement said.

Political Firestorm Back Home

Even as the minister sets out on a crucial foreign tour, he unleashed a sharp attack on the Congress party back home in Assam, coinciding with the visit of AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi.

Welcoming the Congress leaders to Assam with sharp sarcasm, Margherita said, “I welcome Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi to Assam. Let them witness first-hand the transformation that has taken place under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s leadership.”

Margherita also accused Kharge of disrespecting legendary Assamese icon Dr. Bhupen Hazarika when the Bharat Ratna was conferred upon him. “It was Mallikarjun Kharge who insulted Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. The people of Assam have not forgotten this,” he said.

Taking aim at the Congress party’s legacy in Assam, Margherita added, “For the decades of injustice and neglect meted out to Assam during Congress rule, both Kharge and Rahul Gandhi owe an apology to the people of this state.”

The comments come at a time when political temperatures are rising in Assam ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. With the Congress ramping up its presence in the state and the BJP reinforcing its achievements, Margherita’s remarks signal an aggressive pitch by the ruling alliance to defend its turf and discredit the opposition’s renewed outreach.

As Margherita prepares to represent India on the international stage, his strong statements reflect the BJP’s dual strategy — advancing India’s global role while intensifying political confrontation at home.

Also Read: Rahul Gandhi, Kharge Arrive in Guwahati; Congress Gears Up for 2026 Assam Battle