Belagavi: The recent controversy surrounding the Congress Working Committee (CWC) session in Belagavi has intensified scrutiny of the Congress party’s actions and motives. The BJP has strongly condemned the Congress for displays of a controversial map of India that conspicuously omits Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoJK) and Aksai Chin. This blatant oversight is not just an innocent mistake; it reflects a deeper ideological inconsistency that undermines India’s territorial integrity.
During a press conference in New Delhi on Thursday, December 26, BJP spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi highlighted the severity of this negligence, accusing the Congress of engaging in divisive politics that echoes the sentiments of anti-India forces. “The Congress has consistently disregarded national sentiments, and this latest display—a map printed right next to Mahatma Gandhi’s picture—serves as a direct insult to our nation and its rich history of sacrifices made by revered figures like Maharana Pratap, Chhatrapati Shivaji, Rani Lakshmibai, and Guru Gobind Singh,” Trivedi asserted.
The BJP has raised serious questions about the motivations behind the Congress’s actions. Why does the Congress party repeatedly present a distorted map of India that excludes significant parts of it? Trivedi suggested that this could be indicative of a larger conspiracy aimed at fundamentally altering the narrative of India’s sovereignty. The implications of such actions are alarming, particularly when considering the historical context of territorial disputes involving PoJK and Aksai Chin.
Moreover, the association of prominent Congress figures, including Shashi Tharoor and Rahul Gandhi, with similar displays on social media raises concerns about a coordinated effort to dilute national pride. These actions signal a troubling trend within the Congress party that seeks to rend the very fabric of India’s unity.
“Are these distortions being orchestrated by outside forces, such as George Soros, or are they merely reflective of the party’s inherent anti-national stance?” Trivedi questioned, implying that the Congress’s strategies may align with global anti-India elements seeking to destabilize the nation.
As India stands at a crossroads, the actions of the Congress party serve as a sobering reminder of the need for vigilance against those who would compromise the nation’s integrity for political gain. The BJP urges all Indians to recognize the gravity of this situation and to stand united against any force that seeks to undermine our sacred motherland. The integrity of our nation should never be sacrificed at the altar of political ambition, and it is imperative that we hold accountable those who would engage in such divisive tactics. The BJP calls upon the citizens of this great nation to condemn the Congress party’s actions and reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding the unity and integrity of India.
Gandhi centenary program unfolded in Belgavi, for apparent absence of the Mahatma photo from the celebrations. Prominent political figures, including opposition leader R Ashok, voiced their disdain for the manner in which the event has been organized, accusing the Congress party of distorting the legacy of Gandhiji for political gain.
Kumaraswamy expressed his disappointment during a media interaction near his residence in JP Nagar. “This government is orchestrating a year-long program supposedly in honor of Gandhiji, yet the cutouts I’ve seen are filled with modern-day figures, rather than the Gandhiji we revere,” he stated. He further remarked on the irony, questioning whether the current Congress leaders could genuinely recall the teachings and sacrifices of the great leader. “Will such a Congressman remember Gandhiji? We can discuss the gravitas of this later,” he added, hinting at deeper issues concerning the Congress party’s alignment with the values championed by Gandhiji.
R Ashok Calls Congress Fake
Opposition Leader R Ashok took to social media to voice his condemnation of the Congress party, labeling it a “fake Congress” that represents a “fake Gandhi family.” He chided the Congress for celebrating the Belgaum session centenary while simultaneously disregarding the essence of Gandhiji’s vision. “Independence has been achieved; there is no need for the Congress party. With what morality do the so-called Gandhis, who ignored Mahatma Gandhi’s counsel to dissolve the party, celebrate this historic occasion?” he questioned, underscoring a disconnect between Congress’s claims and its actions.
Ashok emphasised that the pre-independence Congress was a collective of patriots unified in the struggle for freedom, while today’s Congress is merely a vehicle for power controlled by the so-called ‘Gandhis.’ He cited Babasaheb Ambedkar’s critical stance towards the Congress, highlighting Ambedkar’s warning that joining the party was akin to “committing suicide” for Dalits. “The Congress, which once included freedom fighters like Gandhi and Sardar Patel, has no relation to the current party run by these fake leaders,” he declared.
The BJP has raised further concerns over the financial implications of these celebrations, with Ashok accusing the Congress government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of squandering public funds. “By allocating Rs 20 crore of taxpayer money to showcase these fake Gandhis, the government is betraying the people of Karnataka and dragging them back into a state of dependency and subservience,” he charged.
ಈಗಿನ ನಕಲಿ ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಪಕ್ಷ: ನಕಲಿ ಗಾಂಧಿ ಕುಟುಂಬದಿಂದ, ನಕಲಿ ಗಾಂಧಿ ಕುಟುಂಬಕ್ಕಾಗಿ, ನಕಲಿ ಗಾಂಧಿ ಕುಟುಂಬಕೊಸ್ಕರ
ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ ದೊರಕಿತು. ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಪಕ್ಷದ ಅವಶ್ಯಕತೆ ಇಲ್ಲ. ಅದನ್ನು ವಿಸರ್ಜಿಸಿ ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಿದ ಮಹಾತ್ಮ ಗಾಂಧಿಯವರ ಮಾತನ್ನು ಧಿಕ್ಕರಿಸಿದ ನಕಲಿ ಗಾಂಧಿಗಳು, ಇವತ್ತು ಯಾವ ನೈತಿಕತೆಯಿಂದ ಬೆಳಗಾವಿ ಅಧಿವೇಶನದ ಶತಮಾನೋತ್ಸವ… pic.twitter.com/RDDRfq2F5D
— R. Ashoka (@RAshokaBJP) December 26, 2024
Such criticisms come at a crucial time as the Congress attempts to reclaim its historical narrative in contemporary Indian politics. The BJP’s pointed rebuttals reflect a growing sentiment among certain political factions that question the efficacy and authenticity of the current Congress leadership.
Shettar Condemns Congress for Misusing Gandhiji’s Legacy and Wasting Taxpayers’ Money
The centenary celebration of Mahatma Gandhi’s pivotal session in Belagavi has ignited a wave of criticism directed at the Congress party, particularly from former Chief Minister and MP Jagadish Shettar. In a scathing statement to reporters, Shettar accused the Congress government of squandering the hard-earned tax money of Kannadigas to further the interests of what he termed “fake Gandhis” in the name of Mahatma Gandhi.
Shettar began by emphasising the significance of the day, recalling the historical moment when Mahatma Gandhi presided over a session that greatly influenced the country’s freedom struggle. “It is commendable that the state government has organized a program named Gandhi Bharat to celebrate this important milestone. However, a closer look reveals that this program has devolved into nothing more than a spectacle for the Congress party, using public funds for their own political purposes,” he stated.
He firmly condemned the actions of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his government, accusing them of hosting a “Congress party fair” masquerading as a tribute to Gandhiji. “This administration is not merely honoring a national hero; it is actively leveraging his legacy to appease political interests. The state government is taking the hard-earned money of citizens and misusing it to serve the goals of the Congress party while trampling on the very essence of Gandhiji’s teachings,” Shettar asserted.
The former Chief Minister highlighted a profound contradiction in the Congress’s claims. “Mahatma Gandhi envisioned the dissolution of the Congress party after independence, as he believed the party should serve its purpose and then step aside, allowing true democratic representation to flourish. It is utterly ridiculous that the Congress, which operates contrary to his wishes, is now celebrating in his name,” he emphasised.
Shettar also pointed out the lack of inclusivity in the program, condemning the Congress government for excluding opposition parties from this ostensibly unifying event. “Back during Gandhi’s time, the Belgaum session was known as the Unity Conference, which sought to bring together diverse political factions, including those opposed to the Congress. In stark contrast, this Congress government has failed to even issue a courteous invitation to opposition parties, revealing its true intentions of consolidating power rather than fostering unity,” he lamented.
He specifically called out DK Shivakumar, criticising him for misleading the public regarding invitations to the event. “Claims that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called me personally to invite me are fabrications. I have yet to receive an official invitation from any senior official in his government. D.K. Shivakumar is resorting to blatant lies to fill the void of genuine leadership,” Shettar charged.
