Mallikarjun Kharge unveils Mahatma Gandhi statue in Belagavi, says 'everyone's responsibility to protect constitution'

Belagavi: Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge unveiled a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in front of Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi on Tuesday.

The statue, part of the Congress' 'Gandhi Bharat' program, commemorates the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi presiding over the 39th Congress Session in Belagavi during the freedom movement in 1924.

Speaking at the event, the Congress chief said there would have been "anarchy" in the country if there was no constitution and democracy.

"While Mahatma Gandhi led the nation to independence, Jawaharlal Nehru and Dr BR Ambedkar were instrumental in framing the constitution, and it is the responsibility of every citizen to protect it," he said.

Kharge remarked that the installation of Gandhi's statue at Suvarna Vidhan Soudha honors Belagavi as the only place where the Father of the Nation presided over a Congress session. "We need more time to reflect on the achievements, sacrifices, and contributions of Mahatma Gandhi," he added.

He also highlighted that today, leaders from across the world are recalling Gandhi's contributions. "We must also work to protect our constitution, as it is everyone's responsibility," he said.

Kharge noted that the Congress Session in 1924 was significant in promoting Mahatma Gandhi’s messages of eradicating untouchability and empowering women. "Gandhi presiding over the session gave a new direction to the freedom movement. I feel fortunate to have conducted the extended Congress Working Committee meeting at this location and to unveil his statue here," he said.

He further said that AICC General Secretary and MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra liked the statue of Gandhi standing with two children and intends to install a similar statue in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, and Kalaburgi.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, un his presidential remarks, said Mahatma Gandhi was a Hindu and not anti-Hindu as portrayed by BJP and "they were all lies".

Nathuram Godse, who assassinated Gandhi, came from a family associated with the BJP. "In his final moments, Gandhi spoke the words 'Hey Ram'," Siddaramaiah said.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, was unable to attend the Gandhi Bharat program due to illness and had to return home from the airport.

The Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University, Gadag, was renamed Mahatma Gandhi Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University, and its logo was unveiled. Special postal covers were also released by Kharge and other dignitaries to mark the event.

The event was attended by AICC General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, General Secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal, General Secretary In-charge of Karnataka Randeep Singh Surjewala, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, Home Minister Dr G Parameshwar, Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, and other prominent figures.

Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader delivered the introductory remarks, and Public Works Department and District In-charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi proposed the vote of thanks.