Kharge Honors Gujarat’s Role in Nation-Building and the Vision of Gandhi and Sardar Patel
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On April 9, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge honored Gujarat’s essential contributions to nation-building, celebrating the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel during the AICC Session 2025 in Ahmedabad, a city steeped in history.
Key Takeaways
- Gujarat's significant role in Congress history.
- Tribute to Gandhi and Patel's visions.
- Commemoration of landmark milestones.
- Highlighting unity in diversity.
- Addressing communalism and leadership.
Ahmedabad, April 9 (NationPress) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday honored Gujarat’s rich history in nation-building, as well as the profound visions of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel.
During his speech at the AICC Session 2025, Kharge remarked that Ahmedabad, a city with a legacy spanning over 600 years, serves as a significant site for the Congress party.
This AICC gathering commemorates two pivotal milestones: the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi assuming the role of Congress President and the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. “Gujarat has been instrumental in the formation of the Congress,” Kharge expressed.
“Three eminent figures from this region -- Dadabhai Naoroji, Mahatma Gandhi, and Sardar Patel -- not only led our party but also brought global recognition to its name,” he noted.
Reflecting on Sardar Patel's monumental efforts in unifying India's princely states, Kharge announced that the nation will honor his 150th birth anniversary on October 31 this year. “He forged a unified India. We are forever grateful to him,” he added.
Furthermore, he mentioned that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was elected Congress President in 1938 in Gujarat, illustrating the state’s influence that even reached Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution.
Characterizing Ahmedabad as a source of inspiration, Kharge reminisced about the historic Dandi March led by Mahatma Gandhi on March 12, 1930, with only 79 satyagrahis. “That salt march shook the very foundations of British authority. In 2005, under Sonia Gandhi’s guidance, the Congress revisited this journey, rekindling the spirit of the youth,” he remarked.
Kharge emphasized how, under Gandhi’s leadership, the Congress became the representative of villages, farmers, laborers, and the impoverished. “Gandhiji advocated for Antyodaya -- uplifting the last person in line,” he stated.
He quoted Gandhi’s impactful message from June 15, 1946: “Regardless of being Hindu, Muslim, or any other identity -- Congress perceives everyone as equal. It is Congress’ responsibility to uplift the marginalized and elevate them to an equal status. No individual should reside on the mountaintop or be consigned to the abyss.”
In referencing Gandhi’s speech at the AICC in 1947, Kharge reminded the youth of his firm stance against communalism: “Congress serves the entirety of the nation and all communities. The remedy to communal factions and their toxic ideologies is to cultivate a robust public opinion that renders them ineffective.”
