Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the BJP and RSS, alleging that neither had contributed to India’s freedom struggle.
Addressing a public rally at Ramlila Ground in Haldwani, Kharge said the Congress had led the fight for Independence and had also worked to protect democracy.
Kharge alleged that the BJP and RSS had no role in the freedom movement. He questioned whether any genuine RSS or BJP member had gone to jail during the struggle against British rule. He claimed that those who may have participated were people who had originally been associated with the Congress before moving to the other side. Kharge said that despite this history, the BJP and RSS continued to question the Congress on patriotism. He asserted that Congress workers were the real patriots and said the party would not be intimidated or pressured by anyone.
Kharge also praised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for remaining connected with people and raising issues affecting different sections of society. He said Gandhi had consistently spoken about the concerns of young people, farmers, students and the poor while working to protect the Constitution.
Kharge said Rahul Gandhi had travelled from Kanyakumari to Kashmir as part of his effort to defend the Constitution. He said Gandhi regularly meets people, listens to their concerns and raises their issues. Kharge asked whether any BJP leader had shown the same level of engagement with the public. He said Rahul Gandhi had repeatedly gone to the ground to understand people's problems.
Kharge also recalled Mahatma Gandhi's launch of the Quit India Movement on August 8, 1942. He said the movement brought people together against British rule and eventually played a major role in India's Independence. He highlighted Uttarakhand's contribution to both the freedom struggle and the country's armed forces.
Kharge described August 8 as a significant day because Mahatma Gandhi had launched the Quit India Movement on the same date in 1942. He recalled Gandhi's call of “Do or Die” and “Quit India”, saying it united Indians and created fear within the British administration. He said the people eventually forced the British to leave India and described the large gathering in Haldwani on the anniversary as a moment of pride.
Kharge also praised Uttarakhand, calling it Devbhoomi and a land of brave soldiers. He paid tribute to the Kumaon and Garhwal Regiments and recalled that a brave soldier from the region was awarded India's first Param Vir Chakra. He said the people of Uttarakhand could proudly take credit for their contribution to defending the nation.
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