Bengaluru, Aug 15 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister and President of the State Congress, D.K. Shivakumar, asserted that the rise of voter fraud orchestrated by the BJP has tarnished the nation's reputation. During the 79th Independence Day celebrations, he reminded attendees that it was the Congress party that championed India's freedom.

Shivakumar made these remarks after hoisting the National Flag at the KPCC office on Friday as part of the celebrations. He extended his greetings to the audience, emphasizing the necessity to combat anti-Constitutional forces and voter fraud.

He stated, “Those plotting to undermine this freedom are not merely violating the Constitution — they are against life itself. They are societal traitors and should be regarded as enemies of liberty. We must act in the nation's interest to thwart any treachery against the Constitution and uphold its values.”

“Currently, voter fraud is bringing disgrace to our country. Our leaders, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, have initiated a fight against this issue starting from Karnataka. Let us unite for this cause,” he urged.

“Your dedication over the last two-and-a-half years has enabled Congress to attain power. Our government is focused on the well-being of the people, while the Opposition engages in emotional politics,” he noted.

“We must gear up for the forthcoming municipal and local body elections. The government plans to conduct elections within the next six months, and it is essential for all of you to contribute to this effort. By 2028, we aim to restore Congress to power in the state and work towards renewing the lives of the people,” he encouraged.

“Defend democracy, uphold the Constitution and electoral integrity, combat unjust tax distributions, and pledge to eliminate authoritarianism,” stated Dy CM Shivakumar.

“Independence cannot be purchased. Mahatma Gandhi proclaimed it as the essence of life. Our party's leaders fought valiantly to secure freedom for our nation. Therefore, we must today commit to five pledges — to protect democracy, defend the Constitution and electoral process, uphold the sanctity of votes, challenge unfair tax distributions, and eradicate authoritarianism to restore a government that serves the people,” he declared.

“Let us remember these five pledges daily. By 2029, we should initiate a new chapter in our second freedom struggle,” he stated.

“Independence Day reflects our history. It is a source of pride for all Indians and especially for Kannadigas. Karnataka was the cradle of the first freedom struggle in our country.

“Isuru village in Shivamogga district was the pioneer in declaring a freedom struggle. The first woman to overcome British rule was Kittur Rani Chennamma. We must remember that in 1930, led by Congress leader Hanumanth Rao, the Salt Satyagraha commenced in Ankola. Kannadigas paid the ultimate price in the freedom struggle, and we must honor this history,” he stressed.

“In our freedom struggle, over 6.5 lakh Congress members sacrificed their lives. Countless others forfeited their homes, properties, and livelihoods. Simply hoisting the flag and singing the national anthem is insufficient. We must inform the younger generation that it was Congress that fought for our freedom. Congress leaders and supporters must assert this with pride. Without this courage, traitors will continue to lecture us on patriotism,” he remarked.

“False narratives claim that Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Nehru, Sardar Patel, and other Congress leaders did not contribute to our Independence.

“Pandit Nehru spent nine years imprisoned. The Congress leadership united the nation. Our freedom struggle included figures like Maulana Azad, Dadabhai Naoroji, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Nehru, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Vallabhbhai Patel, Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Sarojini Naidu, Lala Lajpat Rai, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Bipin Chandra Pal, and many more illustrious leaders. It is our responsibility to convey their history to future generations. Those who devoted their lives, minds, and resources to the nation were Congress members,” he said.

“Frequently, the Opposition questions Congress's contributions to the nation. We must remind them that it was Congress that secured Independence, the National Anthem, and the National Flag for the country. The Tricolor rests on our shoulders, and the Constitution resides in our hearts.

“The Congress provided the nation with humanitarian, legal, personal, religious, intellectual, social, economic, and political freedoms. It granted the populace the liberty to live under the Constitution and elect their representatives,” Shivakumar asserted.

Later, speaking to the media, Shivakumar remarked, “We have celebrated the 79th Independence Day under the party’s banner. A new chapter has begun in our country. Our democratic system is advancing towards ensuring elections are conducted transparently within legal and constitutional boundaries.

“It is heartening to see all non-BJP parties in the country uniting. We are stepping forward to lead this initiative. We are optimistic about a significant transformation occurring in the country soon. In this context, we have taken our pledge.”