BELAGAVI - KARNATAKA: Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, inaugurated a statue of Mahatma Gandhi outside the Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

This initiative is part of the Congress' 'Gandhi Bharat' campaign, marking 100 years since Mahatma Gandhi chaired the 39th Congress Session in Belagavi during India’s freedom struggle in 1924.

Speaking at the event, Kharge emphasized the critical role of democracy and the Constitution in maintaining order in the country. "Without the Constitution and democracy, there would be chaos," he stated. Kharge highlighted how Mahatma Gandhi guided India to independence, while Jawaharlal Nehru and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar played key roles in drafting the Constitution. "It is every citizen’s duty to safeguard the Constitution," he added.

Kharge explained that the statue’s installation at Suvarna Vidhan Soudha is a tribute to Belagavi’s historic significance as the only place where Gandhi presided over a Congress session. It is high time to ponder on Mahatma Gandhi’s achievements, sacrifices, and contributions to the nation, he remarked.

The Congress president also noted that global leaders continue to honor Gandhi’s legacy. He urged everyone to take responsibility for upholding constitutional values.

Kharge mentioned the 1924 Congress session as a turning point for Gandhi’s messages on removing untouchability and empowering women. He expressed his privilege in hosting an extended Congress Working Committee meeting in Belagavi and unveiling Gandhi’s statue there.

He said that AICC General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra admired the statue of Gandhi standing with two children and plans to replicate it in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, and Kalaburagi.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in his address, dismissed claims by the BJP portraying Gandhi as anti-Hindu. He said, “Mahatma Gandhi was a Hindu and not anti-Hindu, as falsely claimed by BJP. These are baseless lies.” He also reminded the audience that Nathuram Godse, Gandhi’s assassin, came from a family linked to the BJP. Siddaramaiah concluded by recounting Gandhi’s last words, “Hey Ram.”

Due to illness, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, could not attend the event and had to return from the airport.

As part of the occasion, the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University in Gadag was renamed Mahatma Gandhi Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University, with a new logo unveiled. Special postal covers were also released by Kharge and other dignitaries to commemorate the event.

The event saw participation from notable leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, K.C. Venugopal, Randeep Singh Surjewala, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwar, and Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti.

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