Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a sharp attack on the ruling BJP during the 84th AICC National Convention held in Ahmedabad. Speaking at the event, Kharge accused the government of shifting the country’s attention away from fundamental issues by encouraging communal division.
In his address, Kharge said that the real challenges facing the country are being overshadowed by deliberate attempts to create divisions among communities. He further claimed that monopolistic powers are working to dominate governance by gaining control of national resources.
He also criticised what he called a “conspiracy” aimed at rewriting history and creating false narratives about key figures in India’s independence movement. Kharge particularly spoke about efforts to misrepresent the relationship between former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
He said that contrary to claims of discord, Nehru and Patel shared a close and respectful relationship. Citing historical records, Kharge recalled how Sardar Patel had publicly praised Nehru in 1937 and again in 1949.
He highlighted Patel’s statement in which he expressed deep appreciation for Nehru’s efforts and dedication to the nation during difficult times.
Kharge also said that Nehru often sought Patel’s advice on important matters and made special efforts to ensure Patel’s comfort, including holding Congress Working Committee meetings at Patel’s residence. He noted that such examples showed mutual respect and cooperation, not division.
Targeting the RSS, Kharge reminded the audience that Patel had once banned the organisation. He said it was ironic that those aligned with the RSS now claim to be the true heirs of Sardar Patel’s legacy.
He added that both Gandhi and Patel played vital roles in bringing Dr B.R. Ambedkar into the Constituent Assembly.
As the event was being held in Gujarat, Kharge reflected on the contributions of great leaders from the state, including Dadabhai Naoroji, Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel, all of whom had served as Congress presidents.
He recalled that 2024 marks the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi’s presidency at the Belagavi session and said the party recently celebrated this milestone in Karnataka.
Kharge emphasised the ideological legacy left by these leaders, noting how Gandhi’s non-violent approach inspired movements like the Champaran and Bardoli Satyagrahas. He said these efforts helped establish Congress as a grassroots force throughout India.
He also announced that the Congress party would celebrate Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary with great enthusiasm later this year.
Referring to Patel as the “founder of India’s unity,” Kharge praised his role in shaping the Constitution through his leadership in the Constituent Assembly’s Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights.
Kharge pointed out that Dr Ambedkar had publicly acknowledged the Congress party’s cooperation in the framing of the Constitution.
However, he criticised the RSS for burning effigies of Gandhi, Nehru, Ambedkar and the Constitution itself after its adoption. He claimed that the RSS had dismissed the Constitution as not being in line with “Manuwadi” values.
He also accused the current government of disrespecting national icons. Referring to the relocation of Gandhi and Ambedkar’s statues inside the Parliament premises, Kharge said the move was an insult to their legacy.
Kharge directly targeted Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging that he had mocked Ambedkar in the Rajya Sabha. He said the Congress party honours the Constitution and will always protect the values it represents.
According to him, the decision to hold the CWC meeting at the Sardar Patel Museum in Ahmedabad was a symbolic tribute to Patel and his ideals.
Continuing his criticism of the BJP and RSS, Kharge claimed that they are systematically taking control of institutions associated with Mahatma Gandhi.
He cited recent developments at Gujarat Vidyapeeth and the Sarva Seva Sangh in Varanasi, where, he alleged, Gandhian and cooperative movement leaders were being sidelined.
Kharge concluded his speech by highlighting Gujarat’s special place in Congress history. He said the state had been a stronghold for the party over its 140-year journey and described it as a source of inspiration.
He added that while the BJP may try to appropriate symbols of Gandhi’s legacy, only the Congress party truly follows his ideals.
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