‘BJP wants to capture all constitutional institutions’: At CWC meet, Kharge says ‘will shatter lies of opponents’

The extended CWC meeting, held at the same venue where Mahatma Gandhi presided over the Congress a century ago, sought to reaffirm the party's commitment to preserving constitutional values and Gandhian ideals.

By: Express Web Desk
New Delhi | Updated: December 26, 2024 08:00 PM IST

3 min read

Marking 100 years since Gandhi's presidency, the meeting reflected on historical milestones while addressing contemporary political challenges. (PTI)

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge Thursday accused the BJP of systematically undermining democratic institutions at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, “Nav Satyagraha Baithak” in Belagavi, marking the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi’s 1924 session presidency.

“BJP wants to capture all constitutional institutions such as the Election Commission, but we will continue to fight this battle,” he said. Kharge expressed concern over what he termed a growing mistrust in the electoral process. “People’s faith in the electoral process is gradually decreasing, and questions are being raised on the impartiality of the Election Commission,” he said. He also accused the BJP of manipulating election rules: “What is it that this government is trying to hide by changing election rules that the court ordered to share?”

The extended CWC meeting, held at the same venue where Mahatma Gandhi presided over the Congress a century ago, sought to reaffirm the party’s commitment to preserving constitutional values and Gandhian ideals. It brought together top Congress leaders, including Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

‘Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan’ Rally announced

The Congress emphasised its commitment to protecting the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr BR Ambedkar.”We will fight till our last breath for Nehru-Gandhi ideology and the honour of Babasaheb Ambedkar, ” said Kharge. Vowing that the party will return from Belgaum with new resolve, he said. “This is not a time for despair but to unite and shatter lies of the opponents.” The party announced a “Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan” rally on December 27 to cap off the two-day event.

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Marking 100 years since Gandhi’s presidency, the meeting reflected on historical milestones while addressing contemporary political challenges. Jairam Ramesh highlighted the symbolic resonance of the venue, noting its connection to both the past and the future struggles of the Congress.

A controversy over a poster commemorating the 1924 session sparked criticism from the BJP, which accused the Congress of “vote bank politics”. Congress leaders dismissed the allegations, accusing the BJP of deflecting from the systematic assault on Gandhi’s legacy.

Setting the Roadmap for 2025

The meeting also served as a planning session for the Congress’s strategy for the 2025 electoral challenges. AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal said the party would emerge with a clear plan to counter the BJP’s alleged attacks on the Constitution and address pressing national issues.

(With PTI inputs)

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