Congress presidential polls: Voting ends in Kharge vs Tharoor contest
New Delhi (PTI): Voting ended on Monday in the Congress presidential poll as senior leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Shashi Tharoor faced-off for the post of AICC chief.
Over 9,000 Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) delegates form the electoral college to pick the party chief in a secret ballot.
Voting began at 10 am at the AICC headquarters here and at the party's polling booths in state offices across the country.
As voting in the Congress presidential poll got underway, outgoing party chief Sonia Gandhi said she had been waiting for a long time for this day.
Sonia Gandhi and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra came together at the AICC headquarters and cast their vote.
When asked by reporters about the poll, Sonia Gandhi said, "I have been waiting for a long time for this day."
Later, former prime minister Manmohan Singh also cast his ballot in the poll at the party headquarters where the 68th polling booth for the AICC presidential election was set up.
Veteran Congress leader P Chidambaram was the first to cast his vote at the AICC headquarters here.
Kharge is considered the favourite for his perceived proximity to the Gandhis and backing by senior leaders, even as Tharoor has pitched himself as the candidate of change.
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The Constitution: India’s Soul and the Guardian of Democracy
India is a symbol of democracy, diversity, and unity. This strength comes from the foundation of our nation—the Constitution. Drafted under the leadership of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and inspired by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Nehru, the Constitution is more than a legal document; it is a guide to equality, justice, and liberty. In today’s turbulent times, protecting the Constitution has become more important than ever.
Constitution: A Gift for All, Especially the Deprived
Dr. Ambedkar said, “The Constitution is not a lawyer’s document; it is a vehicle of life.” It reflects the hopes of millions, especially the marginalized.
Key articles, like Article 14 (equality before the law) and Article 17 (abolition of untouchability), empower the oppressed. The Directive Principles of State Policy under Article 46 ensure the welfare of weaker sections, including Scheduled Castes and Tribes.
Karnataka’s government has set up the Justice Nagamohan Das Commission to introduce internal reservation for Scheduled Castes based on the Supreme Court’s seven-judge Constitution bench verdict.
Our government has also launched guarantee schemes to uplift the needy, fulfilling the promise of an equal society. These efforts show how the Constitution shapes policies for a better future.
Communal Harmony: A Constitutional Mandate
The Constitution promotes communal harmony. Article 25 ensures religious freedom, and Article 29 protects minority rights, strengthening India’s unity in diversity.
At the Gandhi Bharat Conference in Belagavi, the theme "Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan" highlighted the ideals of Gandhi and Ambedkar. As Rahul Gandhi said during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, “The Constitution is not just a book; it is the lifeline of democracy.”
However, communal harmony is under threat. Statements by leaders like Union Home Minister Amit Shah show how polarization is used for political purposes. Hate crimes and divisive politics have increased.
The Congress Party has responded by promoting interfaith dialogue, inclusive policies, and awareness campaigns to protect India’s secular values.
Constitutional Violations and the Fight for Justice
Democracy depends on fundamental rights like Article 19 (freedom of speech) and Article 21 (protection of life). But today, suppression of dissent, attacks on minorities, and gender-based violence are alarming challenges.
Priyanka Gandhi rightly said, “The Constitution is not just a legal text; it is a moral promise to every citizen.” Karnataka’s Congress government has launched initiatives like the Save the Constitution human chain and reading the preamble in schools to increase awareness about constitutional values.
The BJP’s Attempts to Undermine the Constitution
Dr. Ambedkar warned, “A good Constitution is useless if those implementing it are bad.” Today, this is true as BJP leaders undermine the Constitution’s principles.
There are concerns about efforts to replace constitutional ideals with regressive ideas like Manusmriti. BJP criticizes Congress for amending the Constitution, but every amendment by Congress has strengthened democracy, ensuring rights for backward classes and women.
A Vision Rooted in Global Excellence
Dr. Ambedkar and the Drafting Committee studied the world’s best constitutions. They took ideas from the U.S. Bill of Rights, the U.K.’s parliamentary system, and Ireland’s directive principles. Nehru said, “The Constitution reflects the dreams of the people.”
The Constitution combines global practices with solutions for India’s unique challenges. It is admired worldwide and remains a guiding light for all nations.
Constitution—Our Life, Our Future
The Constitution is more than a legal document; it is India’s lifeline. As Siddaramaiah said, “Without the Constitution, we are like fish without water.” Every Indian must protect and respect it.
As we celebrate 76 years of our Republic, we must remember the sacrifices of Gandhi, Ambedkar, and our freedom fighters who fought for equality, justice, and liberty.
The Congress Party is dedicated to safeguarding the Constitution and its values. Together, let us say: Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidha
