The Congress party is marking a significant milestone with its extended session of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) to commemorate the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi presiding over the historic Belgaum session of 1924. Scheduled for December 26 and 27, 2024, this two-day event will be held at various venues across Belagavi, Karnataka, where Gandhi once laid down pivotal ideas for India's freedom movement.
Top Congress leaders including President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi (the Leader of the Opposition), Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and numerous senior party members from across the country are expected to attend. This gathering aims to reflect on Gandhi's enduring legacy, advocating for fundamental values such as non-violence and communal harmony.
The session's first day will kick off at Veera Soudha, the same venue as the 1924 session, where Gandhi emphasized non-violence, communal unity, and the need for social justice. The second day will see the inauguration of a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, sanctioned by the Karnataka government, at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, the current state assembly office.
Congress MP K. C. Venugopal described the event as historic, stating, "This is going to be a landmark program to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's presidency as president of Congress." He explained the significance of the 1924 session, highlighting its role as the bedrock of the independence movement.
Much has changed since the days of Gandhi’s leadership, and contemporary congress leaders are expected to tackle modern political challenges, particularly the current governance under BJP. The CWC will discuss the rising inequality, erosion of democratic institutions, and recent controversies related to comments made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, with party insiders hinting at nationwide protests demanding accountability.
The event is not merely celebratory but strategic, signaling the Congress party's intent to revitalize its operational framework and address pressing national issues. Participants will draft action plans aimed at strengthening the party's position heading toward the elections.
Alongside discussions, the rally titled "Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan" will be held on December 27, reinforcing the Congress's commitment to social justice and the ideals championed by Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar. The rally is anticipated to attract lakhs of party workers and will feature speeches from key party figures.
While Gandhi’s 1924 session was primarily focused on promoting unity among different communities and economic self-sufficiency through Khadi, the current Congress is applying these historical values to today’s political climate. Party leaders believe there is much to learn from the past as they navigate through contemporary issues.
Reflecting on the previous Congress session, which had over 70,000 attendees, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar pointed out, "That was the strength of the Congress—reflecting the people’s desire for communal harmony and economic empowerment.” The current meeting aims to recapture this spirit of unity and activism.
Preparations for the event display the Congress's deep respect for its historical roots, with Belagavi decorated for the occasion, reminiscent of the grandeur seen during significant celebrations. The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee has arranged for various activities, including cultural programs and the release of commemorative publications, to keep the essence of Gandhi's vision alive.
With the Congress attempting to rejuvenate its image following electoral setbacks, this session serves as both tribute and strategy for its future. Amidst challenges, there is palpable hope within the party for meaningful change and resurgence, embedded within the historical lessons of Gandhi’s leadership.
"We are hopeful it makes some important functional changes and gets back to winning ways,” remarked one party leader, emphasizing the dual purpose of the gathering—not only to honor the past but also to forge pathways toward effective governance.
On this significant anniversary, the Congress party stands at a crossroads, reflecting on its legacy and strategizing for the future, echoing Gandhi's aspirations for India's pluralistic society where every voice counts. With the centennial commemoration, they set out to not only celebrate their history but also redefine their role within the ever-evolving political narrative of India.
