The CWC reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, whose values of truth, non-violence, and fearlessness remain central to the Congress Party’s mission.
Published Dec 26, 2024 | 10:10 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 26, 2024 | 10:10 PM
Congress working committee adopts resolution on gandhian legacy and constitutional protection (@Jairam_Ramesh on X)
The Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting convened in Belagavi on Thursday, 26 December 2024, paid rich tributes to Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership and vision for India’s future, and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the Constitution and its underlying ideals.
The meeting was held in Belagavi to mark the 100th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s historic presidency of the Indian National Congress at its 39th session in 1924.
Held at Mahatma Gandhi Nagar, the meeting coincided with the country’s recent celebration of the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution.
Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Jairam Ramesh took to X (formerly Twitter) to share key resolutions passed during the meeting. The CWC emphasised that Gandhi’s leadership in the 1920s and his pivotal role in the fight for India’s independence remained a guiding force for the party’s values today.
Here are the two resolutions adopted at the Nava Satyagraha Baithak of the Extended Congress Working Committee at Belagavi today (1/2) pic.twitter.com/cGCJM5PvJl
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) December 26, 2024
The Congress also reflected on his influence on the Indian Constitution, particularly his 1939 statement which contributed to the establishment of the Constituent Assembly in 1946.
The CWC voiced deep concern over what it described as the “gravest threat” to the Constitution as India nears the 75th year of its Republic. The committee sharply criticised recent remarks by Union Home Minister Amit Shah that belittled Dr. BR Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Constitution, labeling it as part of a larger, ongoing effort by the RSS-BJP to undermine constitutional values.
The CWC reiterated its demand for Shah’s resignation and an apology from him to the nation.
The committee also expressed alarm over the growing politicisation of key democratic institutions, including the judiciary, Election Commission, and media, through executive pressure.
It condemned the BJP-led government’s amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules 1961, restricting public access to key electoral documents, which the Congress claims undermines the transparency and accountability vital to free and fair elections. The CWC has challenged these changes in the Supreme Court.
In addition, the CWC highlighted concerns over the erosion of federalism, particularly the government’s push for the “One Nation, One Election” bill, which it says undermines the federal structure of India.
The CWC strongly condemned the increase in communal violence and ethnic divisions in various parts of India, with particular reference to the ongoing unrest in Manipur, where violence has raged since May 2023.
Despite the scale of the crisis, the Prime Minister has yet to visit the state, which the CWC sees as an indication of the government’s indifference. The committee also criticized attempts to stir up communal tensions in regions such as Sambhal, accusing the ruling BJP of stoking divisions for political gain.
The CWC also denounced the violent repression of Congress protests in BJP-ruled states like Assam and Uttar Pradesh, where several party workers have lost their lives in police crackdowns. The CWC called this a “flawed and anti-democratic” response to peaceful demonstrations.
The CWC expressed grave concern over India’s economic downturn, with rising prices for essential commodities and a slowdown in economic growth.
The committee accused the Modi government of favoring a handful of business oligarchs, leading to growing economic inequality. The Congress called for urgent measures in the upcoming Union Budget, including income support for the poor and tax relief for the middle class.
On issues of social justice, the CWC reiterated its demand for a national socio-economic caste census and for an increase in the 50% cap on reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
The committee also called for a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for farmers and an increase in the daily wage rate for workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
The CWC also weighed in on national security, particularly the situation along India’s disputed border with China. The committee criticized the Union Government’s announcement of disengagement between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh, calling it insufficient and a setback for India’s territorial integrity.
The CWC demanded that the government allow a full parliamentary debate on the issue.
Furthermore, the committee raised concerns over the treatment of religious minorities in Bangladesh, urging the Indian government to work with the interim Bangladesh government to ensure their safety.
Looking ahead, the Congress Party announced the launch of the Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan Abhiyan, a nationwide campaign beginning with a rally in Belagavi on 27 December, 2024.
The campaign will culminate in a rally in Mhow on 26 January, 2025, marking the 75th anniversary of the Constitution’s enactment. This will be followed by a series of rallies at the block, district, and state levels across India.
Between 26 January 2025, and 26 January 2026, the Congress will launch the Samvidhan Bachao Rashtriya Padayatra, a massive, nationwide march to protect and promote the Constitution, which will involve leaders walking from village to village in a relay format.
The CWC reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, whose values of truth, non-violence, and fearlessness remain central to the Congress Party’s mission.
The CWC expressed regret that ideologies hostile to Gandhi during his lifetime are now invoking his name, despite their ongoing support for those responsible for his assassination.
The party called on all members to remain united in protecting and promoting the Gandhian ideals of communal harmony, social justice, and non-violence.
Finally, the Congress announced that its next All India Congress Committee (AICC) session would be held in Gujarat in April 2025, marking another step in the party’s renewal efforts.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
