Karnataka: Congress Names Centenary Event as 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Constitution' Convention

Bengaluru, Dec 25 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar revealed on Wednesday that the forthcoming public gathering on December 27 for the centenary celebration is titled 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Constitution'.

During a press briefing held at the CPEd school grounds in Belagavi, Shivakumar stated, "We have designated this area as Mahatma Gandhi Nagar. On December 26, a meeting of the Congress Working Committee will take place near Gandhi Well, also known as Pumpa Sarovar. In 1924, during the Belagavi Congress session, Mahatma Gandhi presided over the event. Today, it is a source of pride that Karnataka's Mallikarjun Kharge holds the same prestigious position. The session in Belagavi was organized on an 80-acre ground by Karnataka leaders Gangadhar Deshpande and the late former PM Jawahar Lal Nehru, who were then the Congress General Secretaries. We will conduct the working committee meeting at this same historic location."

"Our leaders then guided the freedom struggle, leading the nation to independence and becoming revered figures. To honor this legacy, we have organized these events. This is not merely a Congress gathering but a significant occasion for everyone. The working committee meeting will address the nation's path forward and how to strengthen it in these challenging times," the Deputy Chief Minister remarked.

"We have extended invitations to members of the party's working committee, current and former Chief Ministers from various states, leaders of legislative parties, Pradesh Congress Committee presidents, MPs, MLAs, party workers from across the state, and the general public to participate," he added.

"We have gathered records of the 1924 session and will publish them as a book tomorrow. On December 26 at 10 a.m., a statue of Gandhi will be unveiled at Veer Soudha. A photo exhibition will follow. At 10:45 a.m., a Khadi fair will be inaugurated. At 11:15 a.m., I, along with the Chief Minister, will unveil the Gangadhar Deshpande memorial and inaugurate a photo exhibition showcasing his contributions. At 3 p.m., the working committee meeting will commence, followed by a dinner hosted by the AICC President at 7 p.m.," Shivakumar explained.

On December 27, at 10:30 a.m., the statue of Gandhi at Suvarna Soudha will be unveiled by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi. The Chief Minister will preside over the event, which will be attended by Speaker U.T. Khader and Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, he mentioned.

"Leaders from all parties, local leaders, and all MPs from the state have been invited. The Chief Minister will host lunch at noon, followed by a public gathering at 1 p.m.," he noted.

"To honor the centenary of the Belagavi session, the electricity department has beautifully illuminated the city. I urge the people of the state, particularly those in the Kittur Karnataka region, to witness this decoration. Electric production commenced in Shivanasamudra of Karnataka in 1904, and during the 1924 Belagavi session, the city was adorned with lights. We have photographs of those decorations, inspired by the Virupaksha Temple style. Similar decorations have been implemented this time," Shivakumar added.

"Seva Dal activists will honorably lead Congress Working Committee members to the venue through a procession. In the meeting, our leaders will discuss various issues and make decisions," he stated.

"The government and party will commemorate this centenary with the 'Gandhi Bharat' program throughout the year across the state. Debates will be organized in schools and colleges focusing on Gandhi's principles and values. On October 2, as part of Gandhi Jayanti, we conducted a Gandhi Nadige padayatra and hosted a conversation with school children at Vidhana Soudha," he added.

Regarding the agenda of the working committee meeting, Shivakumar stated, "Our national leaders will decide the topics on the day of the meeting. A draft committee is currently discussing the agenda."

When asked if the issue of disrespect towards Ambedkar would be addressed, he replied, "The convention on December 27 is titled 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Constitution.'"

Concerning his visit to the Police Commissioner's office, Shivakumar remarked, "The Home Minister and I visited the Police Commissioner's office. Over 3,000 police personnel will ensure security. We discussed traffic management and parking arrangements."

On the arrival details of Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Sonia Gandhi, he mentioned, "We will provide their arrival details shortly. Accommodations have been arranged at the Circuit House and other locations."

When asked about the possibility of including 'Jai Basava' in the convention's name, the Deputy CM stated, "We will consider your suggestion."

Responding to a query about Gandhi's opposition to alcohol and the ban on liquor in the state, he said, "Times have changed. Earlier, people wore Khadi; now, you wear different clothes."

On promoting Khadi, Shivakumar stated, "We are organizing a Khadi exhibition to encourage its use."

Addressing former CM and BJP MP Jagadish Shettar's claim of not being respectfully invited to the unveiling of the Gandhi statue, the Congress leader responded, "We can lay a red carpet to his home. The Chief Minister personally invited him. Invitation letters included his name. Instead of criticizing this program, he should first address why his government failed to conduct the final rites of Union Minister Suresh Angadi with due respect when he passed away during the previous BJP government."

He concluded by stating, "If they genuinely admire Gandhi, let them organize such programs. We will support them as servants. Congress will celebrate this program for a year. Let BJP lead one too."

Shivakumar firmly asserted, "The BJP cannot claim Gandhi. They lack the history of the freedom struggle, which belongs solely to the Congress."