Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi has alleged that Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy is under threat from the current ruling establishment in New Delhi, asserting that the ideologies and institutions that nurtured them had fostered a “toxic atmosphere” that culminated in the assassination of the Father of the Nation.
In her message to the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting held in Belagavi on Thursday, Gandhi criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), accusing them of glorifying Gandhi’s killers.
Gandhi, who was unable to attend the meeting due to health reasons, emphasised the Congress’s duty to safeguard Gandhi’s ideals.
Her statement, read out during the meeting, highlighted the historical significance of Mahatma Gandhi’s presidency of the Congress in Belagavi a century ago, describing it as a “transformational milestone in our country’s history.”
“It is now our sacred duty to renew our resolve to confront these forces with all the might at our command and with uncompromising determination,” Gandhi stated, urging Congress leaders to rededicate themselves to preserving Gandhi’s legacy.
In her address, she accused the organisations in power of opposing Gandhi’s vision and of failing to contribute to India’s freedom struggle.
“These organisations never fought for our freedom. They opposed Mahatma Gandhi bitterly. They created a toxic atmosphere that led to his assassination. They glorify his killers,” she said.
Gandhi lamented that institutions inspired by Gandhian principles were facing systematic assaults across the country, making it imperative for Congress leaders to stand united.
She commended the choice of ‘Nava Satyagraha Baithak’ as the name of the meeting, symbolising the Congress’s commitment to truth and justice.
The CPP chairperson expressed her confidence in the resilience of the Congress, a party with a “glorious history,” to overcome the challenges it faces today.
She pointed the need for a renewed sense of urgency and purpose to strengthen the organisation to meet contemporary challenges.
“I am sure that the issue of strengthening our organisation further to face the challenges it confronts will also come up today,” she added, urging leaders to draw inspiration from the party’s illustrious past.
Gandhi also expressed regret at her absence from the “historic occasion,” noting the significance of the meeting being held at Mahatma Gandhi Nagar, a century after the Congress session in Belagavi.
“The 39th session of the Indian National Congress was held exactly a hundred years ago at this very location. It is, therefore, only appropriate that you are assembled at Mahatma Gandhi Nagar,” she said.
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