Speaking to party leaders and members at the Indira Bhawan headquarters, he highlighted that India has emerged as the world’s largest democracy thanks to the visionary leadership of the Congress.
“Today, on Foundation Day, I want to send a clear message to those claiming that ‘the Congress is over.’ I want to assure them that while our strength may be diminished, our resolve remains unbroken. We have not compromised—neither with the Constitution, nor with secularism, nor with the rights of the marginalized. We may not hold power, but we will not make any bargains,” he stated.
Kharge stressed that the Congress has never solicited votes based on religion and has never fueled animosity in the name of temple or mosque.
“The Congress brings people together. The BJP creates divisions. Congress regards religion as a matter of faith, while some have politicized it. Currently, the BJP wields power, yet lacks truth. That is why they sometimes conceal data, halt census activities, and propose changes to the Constitution,” he remarked.
The Congress leader pointed out that those who speak about history now had ancestors who were running away from it. “The Congress represents an ideology, and ideologies never perish,” he asserted.
Read more: BMC Elections 2026: Shinde’s Shiv Sena and BJP finalize seat-sharing, check details
Kharge also mentioned that the year 2025 marks the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi’s presidency in Congress, the 75th anniversary of the Constitution adoption, and the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.
He noted that 2026 will be significant as it commemorates the 200th anniversary of Dadabhai Naoroji, the centenary of Sarojini Naidu’s Congress presidency, and the centenary of the song ‘Jhanda Uucha Rahe Hamara,’ first sung at the Kanpur Congress Session in December 1925.
Reflecting on the global context during India’s Independence, Kharge observed that many nations gained freedom, but not all succeeded; some fell into dictatorship.
“Only India stands as a nation where democracy thrives. This is due to the remarkable leaders of the Congress who have made India the world’s largest democracy,” he asserted.
He affirmed that the Indian National Congress has consistently worked for the welfare, empowerment, and inclusive development of the Indian populace. “We firmly believe in equal opportunities regarding political, economic, and social rights, as enshrined in the Constitution of India.” “The illustrious 140-year history of the Indian National Congress tells the tale of truth, non-violence, sacrifice, struggle, and patriotism,” he expressed, extending his warm wishes to every Indian on Congress Foundation Day.
Numerous Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, K C Venugopal, and Ajay Maken, were present at the event celebrating the party’s 140th Foundation Day.
Senior Congress representatives Shashi Tharoor and Digvijaya Singh also attended, while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was absent from the function.
