Centenary Celebrations of Congress: Kharge Emphasizes Unity Over Despair

Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 27 (NationPress) - In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi assuming the role of President of the Congress in Belagavi, Karnataka, party leader Mallikarjun Kharge convened a meeting, stating that "the party must unite in our fight, reveal the truth, and advance with assurance to tackle forthcoming political hurdles."

These statements were made during the Nav Satyagraha meeting.

In front of the assembly, the Congress President remarked, "Merely working hard is insufficient; we require a well-timed strategy. It is essential to empower emerging and local leadership while providing platforms for new talent."

Recalling Mahatma Gandhi's teachings, Kharge noted: "Truth is everlasting, even when it lacks public favor. We have both the truth and the backing of millions."

"Our strength lies in our ideology, the legacy of Gandhi and former PM Jawahar Lal Nehru, along with the heritage of distinguished leaders. We will depart from Belagavi with renewed determination and a revitalized message," he added.

"This meeting is dubbed 'Nav Satyagraha' because, today, even constitutional authorities challenge Gandhi's Satyagraha. Those who have pledged allegiance to the Constitution propagate falsehoods, and those in power level untrue accusations against us. It is our responsibility to unveil and confront them," Kharge emphasized.

"This day marks a significant milestone in the history of the Congress party. On the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi's leadership of the Congress, the historic Nav Satyagraha Meeting is taking place in Mahatma Gandhi Nagar, Belagavi," he expressed.

During this extended Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, all essential party officials from across the nation, CWC members, both permanent and special invitees, Pradesh Congress Committee Presidents, Congress Legislature Party leaders, council leaders, Congress Election Committee members, and officials of the Congress Parliamentary Party, including present and former Chief Ministers, gathered.

"A century ago, on December 26, 1924, at 3 p.m., the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, assumed the presidency of Congress right here. Before him, Muhammad Ali held the position. It was from this location that the practice of ceremonially raising the national flag each morning and lowering it each evening commenced in Congress's history," he highlighted.

Mahatma Gandhi occupied the Congress presidency for just one year, yet he established such an exceptional standard that remains unmatched by any political figure, Kharge pointed out.

Mahatma Gandhi redefined the Congress constitution, laid a solid foundation for the party within the hearts of villagers, the impoverished, farmers, and laborers, and linked the party organization to constructive efforts. He also made the struggle against untouchability and discrimination a pivotal aspect of Congress's agenda," he said.

"You should all take pride in the fact that the Congress party upholds the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, and we are his heirs," Kharge urged.

"In those times, Gandhi Ji voiced concern over communal riots in locations such as Kohat and Gulbarga. He stated, "When disputes become a commonplace occurrence, it is termed civil war, and parties must resolve it themselves."

"Motilal Nehru proposed a resolution denouncing these riots. In Gulbarga, my hometown, sympathies were extended to those affected by the riots," Kharge remarked.

"It is regrettable that even a century later, the ruling BJP and its leaders brazenly incite incendiary slogans and foster discord in society, fueling animosity among communities and fragmenting the populace," he criticized the BJP administration.

The Belagavi session was particularly noteworthy as Mahatma Gandhi initiated a nationwide movement against untouchability from this very spot, integrating it into the Congress's national agenda.

Mahatma Gandhi identified untouchability as one of the most significant barriers to Swaraj, Kharge noted.

Rahul Gandhi, Congress National Treasurer Ajay Maken, party General Secretary (Organisation) K. C. Venugopal, State party In-charge Randeep Surjewala, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, State party President D. K. Shivakumar, and members of the extended Congress Working Committee were also in attendance.