The Congress Working Committee (CWC) is set to hold a historic extended session in Belgaum, Karnataka, on December 26, commemorating a significant milestone in India’s political history. It was 100 years ago, in 1924, that Mahatma Gandhi was elected as the President of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) during the session held in Belgaum. This was the first and only time Gandhi held the presidency of the Congress Party, making it a pivotal moment in both the party’s journey and India’s struggle for independence. By choosing Belgaum as the venue for this landmark session, Congress aims to honor the legacy of the Mahatma and reaffirm its commitment to the values he championed: truth, non-violence, and social justice.
This session comes at a time of great political and social significance. The Congress Party is underlining its historical connection to the freedom struggle while simultaneously addressing the pressing issues of the present. With the ruling BJP government facing criticism over its governance and policies, the Congress sees this moment as an opportunity to reignite its ideological foundations and mobilize its supporters across the nation. Randeep Singh Surjewala explains the relevance of extended CWC at Veer Sudha museum Belagavi, although several leaders like D K Shiv Kumar Veerappa Moily and Dr Nassir Hussain visited the venue for supervision. The launch of a nationwide movement, “Nav Satyagraha,” during this session signifies the party’s determination to stand against what it calls the erosion of democratic values under the BJP’s rule.
The Significance of Belgaum and Gandhi’s Presidency
Belgaum holds a unique place in the history of the Congress Party. The 1924 session was a turning point, as Gandhi’s presidency brought a clear and focused vision to the Indian National Congress, steering it toward mass participation in the freedom struggle. Gandhi’s leadership emphasized inclusivity, self-reliance, and non-violence, shaping the Congress into a movement that resonated with ordinary Indians. His tenure at Belgaum is remembered for its emphasis on grassroots mobilization and the integration of diverse communities into the national movement.
By returning to Belgaum a century later, the Congress Party seeks to draw strength from this historical moment and project its relevance in contemporary India. The extended session is a reminder of the Congress’s long-standing role in shaping India’s destiny and its ability to adapt to changing times while staying true to its foundational values.
“Nav Satyagraha”: A Call for Resistance
In keeping with the Gandhian tradition of peaceful resistance, the Congress Party is launching “Nav Satyagraha,” a nationwide movement designed to challenge the policies of the BJP government. The Congress has accused the ruling party of undermining democratic institutions, fostering communal polarization, and neglecting issues of economic disparity, unemployment, and inflation. The “Nav Satyagraha” aims to unify citizens across the country in a fight for justice, equality, and constitutional values.
The choice of the term “Satyagraha” is deliberate, invoking the moral and spiritual strength that Gandhi advocated during India’s struggle for independence. Just as Gandhi led peaceful movements against colonial oppression, the Congress seeks to lead a contemporary resistance against what it views as a growing threat to India’s democratic fabric. The movement will focus on issues such as the centralization of power, attacks on federalism, the curtailing of press freedom, and the erosion of judicial independence.
The Congress Party hopes to galvanize its cadres and inspire citizens to stand up for their rights through non-violent means. By launching this movement in Belgaum, the party seeks to symbolically connect the struggles of the past with the challenges of the present, creating a bridge between Gandhi’s vision and modern-day political realities.
Belgaum as a Symbol of Transformation
Belgaum’s historical significance goes beyond its association with Gandhi’s presidency. It is a city that has witnessed transformative moments in India’s political and social history. The Congress Party’s decision to hold its session here is not merely a tribute to the past but also a strategic choice to highlight its commitment to addressing issues of regional and national importance.
Karnataka, where Belgaum is located, has been a crucial battleground for the Congress in recent years. By hosting the session in this region, the party aims to consolidate its support base in the state and send a strong message of unity and resilience. The extended CWC session in Belgaum is expected to attract party workers, leaders, and supporters from across the country, turning the city into a hub of political activity and public discourse which will be followed by a huge rally in Belgaum on 27th December 2024
Revitalizing the Congress’s Ideological Roots
The Congress Party’s return to Belgaum marks not just a physical journey but also an ideological one. In recent years, the party has faced criticism for losing touch with its grassroots and struggling to define its narrative in the face of the BJP’s dominance. The extended session in Belgaum is an opportunity for the Congress to reconnect with its core values and reassert its position as a champion of democratic ideals and social justice.
The party’s emphasis on Gandhian principles during this session is significant. It reflects a conscious effort to align its current political strategy with the values that once made it the vanguard of India’s independence movement. By invoking the memory of Gandhi’s leadership, the Congress seeks to remind the nation of its historical role in shaping India’s destiny and its potential to lead the country through its present challenges.
Challenges and Opportunities
The Congress Party faces both challenges and opportunities as it embarks on this historic journey. The BJP’s political dominance and well-organized electoral machinery present a formidable challenge. However, the Congress also sees an opportunity to tap into growing public discontent over issues such as unemployment, inflation, and social unrest.
The “Nav Satyagraha” provides a platform for the Congress to articulate its vision for India and engage with citizens directly. The movement’s emphasis on non-violence and grassroots mobilization could help the party rebuild its connect with the masses and strengthen its organizational structure.
Conclusion: Charting a New Path with Historical Inspiration
As the Congress Party returns to Belgaum a century after Gandhi’s historic presidency, it not only commemorates a significant moment in its history but also seeks to create a new narrative …