Lauds his integrity, hardwork, and ideological commitment

New Delhi : Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, Ms Sonia Gandhi today led a galaxy of dignitaries in praising and lauding the integrity, hardwork and ideological commitment of the Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.

‘Mallikarjun Kharge – Political Engagement with Compassion, Justice and Inclusive Development’, a book on the life, political journey, struggles and travails of Congress President, was launched by Ms Gandhi at Jawahar Bhawan, in New Delhi.

A short film showcasing the journey of Mr Kharge was also screened.

Prof Sukhadeo Thorat is the Editor of the book with Chetan Shinde as the Co-Editor.

The book delves into Mr Kharge’s over half a century long outstanding political journey as closely observed by his political colleagues and friends from all walks of life.

The book unveils Mr Kharge’s identity as a social activist deeply committed to the welfare of labourers and marginalized individuals, an institution builder in the field of education and a person profoundly driven by a vision to transform and reconstruct the caste-ridden inequities in society.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Gandhi said, fifty years is a long time in politics and Mr Kharge didn’t just survive its unpredictable course, he continued to rise higher and higher throughout his political career.

“Not once did Kharge Ji compromise on his ideology, not once did he drift away from the cause of the poor, not once did he compromise on dignity and conduct to win political battles”, she said, while adding, “that is why, today, Kharge Ji stands tall as the President of the Indian National Congress”.

She said, “his illustrious life and work exemplifies the values that the founders and architects of modern India espoused. Embodying the indomitable Indian spirit, he has overcome multiple adversities in his long journey”.

“Leading by example, he symbolises the belief that no matter who you are or where you come from, you can rise to ever greater heights in the service of the nation. That is, and will continue to be an inspiration to millions of Indians drawn to be in public service”, Mrs Gandhi observed.

Highlighting the role of the Congress party in building the nation, she said, “this was the party which has shaped Kharge Ji. Faced with communalism and discrimination at a tender age, he consciously chose to be secular and liberal. Faced with poverty and discrimination, he courageously embraced compassion towards all beings”.

Praising Mr Kharge’s commitment to public service, she said, this is what drove him, consciously, to choose to work for the public good, to empower the weakest and most vulnerable sections of our society, and to free them from the shackles and hurdles he himself had known closely at first hand.

“To me personally, Kharge Ji has been a wise companion and a pillar of strength. He has shared many of my burdens with stoic courage, unwavering kindness and a sharp wit”, she said on a personal note.

“Today, he helms the Congress Party at a crucial juncture. Those in power, unhinged from constitutional and institutional values, are subverting or demolishing all those institutions, systems and principles by which India has thrived since our Independence”, Ms Gandhi observed, while adding, “as a strong organisational leader who enjoys our confidence, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge is best suited to lead the Congress Party in this historic battle for India’s soul. In this, he has my steadfast support and that of the Congress Party”.

Expressing his gratitude to Mrs Gandhi and the editors of the book, Mr Kharge while speaking on the occasion said, it was a very happy and emotional event for him.

He also thanked all those who contributed in this book saying he was deeply touched by the messages from all of them.

“From being an ordinary party worker, I could reach this position. It is because of democracy and the constitution that protects this democracy”, he said, while adding, “without this constitution, there would not be a democracy in our country. Without democracy, there would be no opportunity for ordinary people to gain political and social rights in our country”.

He said, “leaders from all parties have written very warm message for me, even if, I do not agree with them politically, and ideologically on a personal basis”.

At the same time, he clarified, “I wish them all well too, but I also cannot ignore that today both the constitution and our Parliamentary democracy are in danger in our country”.

“It is because of the people who are in power, or those who do not believe in our constitution, our flag, our Parliamentary democracy of government they have said- they are waiting for the right time to change all these things, and bring their own constitution”, Mr Kharge warned.

Expressing hope, he said, “I have seen many challenges to the country over the last 50 years. The country has tried to address those challenges and will continue to overcome new challenges to emerge stronger”.

But, he added, “it will happen only when we are able to sort out our differences and come together boldly”.

“I would like to conclude by expressing, my deepest and the most sincere gratitude to all of you and especially my leader Smt. Sonia Gandhi Ji”, he said.

T. R. Baalu, Member, Lok Sabha, Prof. Manoj Jha, Member, Rajya Sabha and Sitaram Yechury, Former Member, Rajya Sabha also spoke on the occasion and lauded the contribution of Mr Kharge towards the Congress and the country. AICC General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi, Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and many senior leaders from various parties were also present on the occasion.