New Delhi, Dec 28 (Agency) Congress President Sonia Gandhi used the party’s 137th foundation day on Tuesday to launch a blistering attack on the Modi government, calling it “autocratic” and accusing it attempting to destroy the country’s “composite culture”. After unfurling the tri-colour party flag with a spinning wheel in the center, adopted by the Congress in 1931, Sonia Gandhi urged the party rank and file to preserve the country’s democracy and culture. “History is being falsified, our composite culture is being destroyed. Common citizens are feeling scared and unsafe. Democracy has been sidelined and there is an autocratic government,” she said in a video message that was released after the party flag was unfurled.
“Congress cannot stay quiet at a time like this. No one would be allowed to destroy the heritage of the country,” she added. Sonia Gandhi said the Congress was not just a political party, “it is a movement. Its leaders have participated in the struggle for independence, served jail time and even laid down their lives. “Those who did not participate in the struggle for independence will never understand its value. All steps are being taken to attack the foundation of India.” The Congress chief called upon party workers to preserve democracy at all cost. An accident happened as Sonia Gandhi unfurled the flag at the party office. The flag fell from the pole. Party leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, AK Antony, KC Venugopal and several others were present at the event. The Indian National Congress is the oldest party in the country. It was founded in 1885.