New Delhi, 15 August (H.S.): Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge hoisted the national flag at the party’s new headquarters, Indira Bhawan, in New Delhi on the occasion of Independence Day. Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, treasurer Ajay Maken and Seva Dal chief organiser B.V. Srinivas, among several other senior party leaders, were present on the occasion. The flag-hoisting ceremony was followed by the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Vijayi Vishwa Tiranga Pyara’.

Addressing the gathering, Kharge said Independence Day was not merely an occasion to remember the freedom struggle but also a time to reflect on how much of the vision of the freedom fighters had actually been realised. Referring to the Congress’ 141-year history and its role in the freedom movement, he said the meaning of independence went beyond a mere transfer of power and meant freedom from poverty, discrimination, unemployment and fear.

Kharge elaborated on the contributions of former prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, P.V. Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh, as well as Sonia Gandhi. He said the Congress had laid the foundation for modern institutions, rights and development in the country.

The Congress president alleged that the present government had failed to introduce any new rights and had instead focused on changing names. He said the aspirations of young people were being crushed and that flawed policies had pushed them towards protests. Kharge asserted that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to dissent and peaceful protest, adding that the Congress would continue to stand with the youth and the poor.

Kharge further alleged that democratic institutions were under pressure, while experts at scientific institutions were being forced to resign and the government was imposing people belonging to a particular ideology. He accused the Prime Minister and Home Minister of avoiding questions in Parliament. Referring to allegations of theft involving offerings at the Ram temple, Kharge said donations made by devotees out of faith must be protected.

He said that for the Congress, the true meaning of independence was to ensure dignity and opportunities in the lives of every citizen. He said the real celebration of freedom would come when every child attended school, everyone had access to healthcare, employment and justice were available, caste-based discrimination was eliminated and women became an integral part of the mainstream.

Earlier, Rahul Gandhi wrote on X that freedom was not merely a gift but a responsibility — the responsibility to follow the path of truth and non-violence, uphold the values embodied by the Constitution and the national flag, and protect democracy under all circumstances.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar