The Congress party is set to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the historic Belgaum session with its extended Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, dubbed 'Nav Satyagraha,' scheduled for December 26, 2024, at Mahatma Gandhi Nagar, Belagavi. This significant event will see around 200 leaders, including members of the CWC, participating to outline the party's action plan for the upcoming year.
According to party General Secretary KC Venugopal, the meeting will focus on pressing issues under the current BJP administration, which the Congress claims is contributing to economic inequality, erosion of democracy, and attacks on constitutional institutions. Venugopal emphasized the need to address these challenges, asserting, "This will be one of the landmark programs of the Indian National Congress."
Speaking to the media, Venugopal detailed how the CWC will deliberate on two resolutions, one concerning political strategies and the other highlighting the importance of the historic Belgaum session presided over by Mahatma Gandhi back in 1924. This resulted from what the Congress views as significant neglect of constitutional values by the present government.
Joining Venugopal, spokespersons Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera echoed the sentiments of urgency and responsibility underscoring the Congress's approach. Ramesh highlighted the upcoming 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan' rally scheduled for December 27 following the CWC meeting. This rally aims to galvanize support and raise awareness against what he labeled the "insult" to B.R. Ambedkar by Home Minister Amit Shah, which has been a major focus during this Ambedkar Samman Saptah week.
The interpretation of events over the past weeks indicates the Congress party's increasing willingness to confront the BJP, especially concerning the perceived undermining of democratic principles and equity throughout the nation. Venugopal stated, "Over the last week, Congress party workers all over India have been participating in agitation," reflecting the grassroots movement intended to spur change from the ground up. He added, “Today, all District Committees are doing demonstrations and will be submitting a memorandum to the President of India through district collectors, demanding the resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah."
Congregations like the one planned at Belagavi symbolize not only operational tactics for election strategies but also resonate historical significance. Gandhi's presidency during the 39th Indian National Congress's session, which boldly focused on themes of non-violence, socio-economic reforms, and community unity, provides symbolic support to the Congress's efforts to reinvigorate these principles against what they view as modern violations.
Ramesh noted, "A few years ago, a Chintan Shivir was held in Udaipur, from which the decision of 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' came out. It is hoped some historic decisions will also come out from Belgaum." These markers highlight the Congress's attempt to produce substantial resolutions to empower its structure and mission moving forward.
The backdrop of historical precedents amplifies the Congress's present narrative; the 1924 Belgaum session serves not only as nostalgia but also as motivation against current adversities posed by the Modi administration. Venugopal optimistically remarked, “The Congress party and the people who believe in nationalism are proud of this great movement.”
This planned gathering has garnered attention not just for its political intentions but also for its call to its roots, challenging not only the BJP's actions but also seeking to unify various demographics across factions of the society. The event implicitly targets both traditional Congress voters and those disillusioned by recent political trends.
By convening this significant meeting and rallying support through widespread participation, the Congress aims to reclaim its narrative as it navigates the political climate leading toward larger goals like the upcoming elections. These gatherings articulate hopes for revitalization and assert the party's dedication to fundamental democratic principles.
Meanwhile, the Congress reiterated demands for accountability from the BJP, particularly surrounding the issue of Ambedkar's legacy and respect for constitutional values. Ramesh underlined, "There is only one solution to the issue which is the home minister be sacked and must apologise for his remarks," conveying the fervor with which these debates are approached. The layers of historical weight combined with contemporary political unrest create fertile grounds for what the Congress aspires to achieve during this pivotal week.
At the stroke of 2:30 PM on December 26, the 'Nav Satyagraha Baithak' will commence at Mahatma Gandhi Nagar. This historic assembly seeks not only to plot out immediate strategies but also to honor the legacy of leaders before them, alluding to the multitudes who once gathered under Gandhi's vision, asserting democratic values with vigor and resolve.
On the heels of this meeting, the grand rally on December 27 is set to bring together Congress MPs, AICC functionaries, and many party workers, illustrating the party's united front against current socio-political challenges. The coming days promise to be of considerable weight for the Congress party and its constituents as they gear up to shape the political discourse across India.
