Belagavi, Dec 26 (Representative) In an address, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called for the nurturing of new leadership and a renewed sense of purpose as he laid out his plan for the future of the Congress party. Speaking at the extended meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), Kharge declared 2025 the “Year of Organisational Empowerment,” stressing the importance of a strategic, time-bound approach to grassroots engagement and leadership development. Kharge’s speech, which marked the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi’s presidency of the Indian National Congress, focused on empowering the next generation of Congress leaders to carry forward the rich legacy of the party. The Congress president called for a comprehensive overhaul of the party’s structure, underlining that it is not just about hard work but also about having clear, actionable plans that can lead to long-term success. Kharge reminded the lasting impact of Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership. Despite Gandhi’s short one-year tenure as president, he set an unparalleled standard of leadership, one that continues to inspire Congress members. Kharge emphasised that Gandhi’s contributions, especially during the 1924 Belagavi session where untouchability was placed at the forefront of Congress party’s social agenda, remain foundational to the party’s vision. Reflecting on the challenges of today, Kharge quoted Gandhi’s powerful words on the communal riots of 1924, describing such violence as a “civil war.” He expressed concern that even a century later, provocative speeches and divisive politics continue to erode national harmony.
The Congress president lamented that despite the progress India has made, some forces still aim to drive wedges between communities for political gain. Kharge also didn’t hold back in his criticism of the current BJP leadership. In a pointed attack, he condemned Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s controversial remarks about Dr BR Ambedkar, accusing the Prime Minister of backing these remarks instead of demanding an apology. Kharge warned that the BJP and RSS’s continuous attempts to undermine the Constitution and its founding principles posed a serious threat to the democratic fabric of India. The Congress president also took the opportunity to contrast the BJP’s neglect of farmers with the Congress-led UPA’s achievements. Kharge reminded the audience of the Rs 70,000 crore debt relief provided to farmers under the Congress government, alongside the creation of transformative, rights-based legislations like the Right to Food, Right to Information, and MGNREGA. Kharge’s address concluded on a stirring note, quoting the renowned poet Bhawani Prasad Mishra: “When the truth is under attack, one must speak boldly, even if it means risking everything.” The words served as a call to action for all Congress members to stand firm in their commitment to truth and justice. Present at the meeting were Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, party treasurer Ajay Maken, General Secretary Organisation KC Venugopal, General Secretary Randeep Surjewala, along with Chief Ministers from Karnataka, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, and several other senior leaders from across the country.