Priyanka Gandhi: Congress Leaders Willing to Sacrifice for Equality & Democracy

Belagavi, Jan 21 (NationPress) Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi asserted on Tuesday that her party's leaders are willing to give their lives for the people, equality, and democracy.

“We stand ready to sacrifice our lives for the people, equality, and democracy. Our legacy is one of sacrifice. We have never issued letters of apology from prison,” Priyanka Gandhi stated during her speech at the ‘Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan’ convention in Belagavi, marking the 100th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi taking over as the President of Congress.

She urged the audience, “Do not permit anyone to undermine the Constitution. Make a commitment to not tolerate any disrespect towards Ambedkar or the Constitution. Safeguard it with the same fervor that you receive protection from it. Pledge to give your life, if necessary, to uphold the Constitution.”

Priyanka informed attendees that her brother, Rahul Gandhi, who is the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, was unable to attend due to health issues.

“Rahul Gandhi has embarked on a tireless battle for the people and the nation, striving daily. The BJP is threatened by his dedication. Whenever he raises his voice, they interrupt the sessions of the Lok Sabha,” she remarked.

She accused the government of fearing Rahul Gandhi due to his truthfulness.

“Numerous legal cases have been initiated against him by the ED in Maharashtra, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, yet Rahul Gandhi will not be intimidated. I, too, will not be intimidated. Our struggle is for the truth, grounded in the principles of the Indian Constitution,” she claimed.

“I am honored to be in Belagavi—a place cherished throughout the nation. For Congress leaders and supporters, it holds a sacred significance. Lokamanya Tilak initiated the ‘Home Rule’ movement here, and Mahatma Gandhi took the presidency of the Congress party in this city 100 years ago. I witnessed a powerful representation at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha of Akkamahadevi standing before Basavanna in the Anubhava Mantapa, recognized as the world’s first parliament. This epitomizes the deeply entrenched democracy of this region,” she elaborated.

Priyanka stated that the roots of democracy and women’s equality were established much earlier in this land, serving as the foundation for the freedom struggle.

“Mahatma Gandhi endeavored for independence through truth and nonviolence. Unlike other revolutions that led to bloodshed, our quest for independence was unique as it was achieved through truth and non-violence,” she remarked.

She noted that Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and B.R. Ambedkar fought for freedom without resorting to violence, pursuing truth through non-violent means.

“Once independence was secured, the Constitution was enacted. The Constitution is more than just a book; it is the ‘raksha kavach’ (protective shield) of the populace. Ambedkar, the champion of Adivasis, Dalits, and Muslims, guaranteed that the people were granted the right to vote and hold the government accountable,” she asserted.

Priyanka also condemned the current government, noting that no Union Home Minister has ever disrespected Ambedkar in Parliament.

“Stating that independence wasn’t attained in 1947 is a slight against our freedom fighters. This is occurring because a parallel ideology that opposes the interests of the people has surfaced in the nation,” she expressed.

She highlighted Ambedkar’s advocacy for women’s equality, mentioning that his effigies were burned for this cause.

Priyanka accused the BJP of attempting to alter the Constitution and undermine democratic institutions.

“The attack on our nation’s core ideologies and diversity commenced with the BJP’s ‘Samvidhan Samiksha’ after assuming power. They have diminished social justice, the judiciary, and institutions such as SEBI. They shield criminals involved in crimes against women in BJP-ruled states and have modified labor laws,” she charged.

She criticized the government’s management of agricultural laws, stating, “They rescinded the new farm laws only during elections. Approximately 700 farmers lost their lives during the protests. Today, farmers are in dire crises, with suicides over minor loans while the government waives ₹17 lakh crore for corporations.”

She alleged that there are attempts to abolish reservation policies, weaken democracy, and incite divisions among the populace.

Priyanka urged people to acknowledge the Constitution as their most valuable asset, providing them with rights to education, food, and justice.

“There is nothing more crucial than defending the Constitution,” she emphasized.