It is Everyone's Duty to Uphold the Constitution, Says Rahul Gandhi; Priyanka Gandhi Celebrates Republic Day
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On Republic Day, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi emphasize the importance of safeguarding the Constitution, which ensures justice and equality for all citizens. Mallikarjun Kharge critiques the government's policies, calling for a return to the core values of democracy and federalism.
Key Takeaways
- Importance of respecting the Constitution
- Role of leaders in safeguarding justice and equality
- Critique of current government policies
- Recognition of contributions by various societal sectors
- Call to action for citizens to uphold democracy
New Delhi, Jan 26 (NationPress) Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra extended their greetings to the nation on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day, emphasizing that it is the responsibility of all citizens to honor and safeguard the Constitution, which ensures justice, freedom, equality, and human dignity for every individual.
Rahul Gandhi shared on the social media platform X in Hindi, "Wishing a Happy Republic Day to all citizens! Our Constitution, rooted in the principles of justice, liberty, equality, and brotherhood championed by our esteemed freedom fighters, is a source of pride for the Indian Republic. It acts as a protective shield for every Indian, regardless of religion, caste, region, or language. It is our collective duty to respect and defend it. Jai Hind, Jai India, Jai Samvidhan!"
Priyanka Gandhi also took to X in Hindi, stating, "Warmest greetings of Republic Day to all fellow citizens. Today marks the day our Constitution was enacted, guaranteeing justice, freedom, equality, and human dignity for each citizen. Our Constitution stands as the guardian of every Indian's rights. Our commitment to its protection is unwavering. Jai Samvidan! Jai Hind!"
Earlier in the day, Congress national President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the Centre's policies while conveying his Republic Day wishes.
In a letter to the nation, he remarked, "This year, we celebrate 75 years since we embraced the conscience keeper and soul of the Indian Republic — the Constitution of India."
Paying tribute to the framers of the Constitution, he honored Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Babasaheb Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Dr Rajendra Prasad, Maulana Azad, Sarojini Naidu, and others who contributed to the formation of India's republic.
He expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces, paramilitary forces, and security personnel for their sacrifices in maintaining the nation's integrity and sovereignty. He also acknowledged the essential contributions of scientists, educators, and farmers in nation-building, recognizing their roles in propelling India into a knowledge hub and ensuring food security.
Kharge highlighted the contributions of daily wage workers, laborers, gig workers, artists, writers, and athletes, stressing their importance in shaping the nation and preserving its cultural diversity. However, Kharge's address included criticisms, voicing concerns about the current state of democracy and governance, accusing the ruling party of undermining institutions and eroding federalism.
"Political meddling in independent institutions has become commonplace. Exercising authority over their autonomy is seen as a display of power. Federalism is being consistently undermined, and the rights of states governed by the Opposition are being curtailed. The functioning of Parliament has significantly regressed due to the oppressive nature of the ruling government," Kharge asserted.
"Universities and self-governing bodies are facing incessant interference. A substantial portion of the media has been transformed into a propaganda apparatus for the ruling party. Silencing dissent through the persecution of Opposition figures has become the primary strategy of those in power," he added.
"In the last decade, a malicious, divisive agenda rooted in religious extremism has attempted to fracture our society. Minorities are being targeted, and those who uphold secularism are being smeared with Goebbelsian propaganda. The marginalized groups — SCs, STs, OBCs, the impoverished, and minorities — are being treated as second-class citizens," he stated.
Kharge concluded by calling for the preservation of the Constitution's fundamental values: justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. "Every sacred principle of the Constitution is being dismantled by an authoritarian regime. It is imperative to uphold and protect the values and ideals of our Constitution. We must be prepared to make any sacrifice to safeguard the Constitution. This will be our genuine homage to our forebears," he urged.
