Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi Ji’s message to the Extended Congress Working Committee

Congress President Mallikarjun Khargeji and Members of the Extended Congress Working Committee, I regret that I am unable to be present with all of you on this historic occasion. The 39th session of the Indian National Congress was held exactly a hundred years ago at this very location. It is, therefore, only appropriate that you are assembled at Mahatma Gandhi Nagar. Mahatma Gandhi’s becoming Congress President here then was a turning point for our Party and for the independence movement. It was a transformational milestone in our country’s history.

Today, we rededicate ourselves to preserve, protect and promote the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. He has been and will continue to be the fundamental source of our inspiration. It was he who moulded and guided all our remarkable galaxy of leaders of that generation.

His legacy is under threat from those in power in New Delhi and the ideologies and institutions that have nurtured them. These organisations never fought for our freedom. They opposed Mahatma Gandhi bitterly. They created a toxic atmosphere that led to his assassination. They glorify his killers.

Gandhian institutions in various places across the nation are under assault. It is therefore also fitting that this meeting is called ‘Nava Satyagraha Baithak’. It is now our sacred duty to renew our resolve to confront these forces with all the might at our command and with uncompromising determination.

Friends, I am sure that the issue of strengthening our organization further to face the challenges it confronts will also come up today. Our great organization with such a glorious history has, time and again, demonstrated its resilience. Let us individually and collectively move forward from this meeting, firm in our resolve to meet the many challenges our Party faces with a renewed sense of urgency and a refreshed sense of purpose. I wish every one of you the best for 2025 and beyond.

SONIA GANDHI