Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge delivered a robust defense of his party's foundational principles, framing it not merely as a political entity but as an enduring belief system. He made these remarks on December 28, 2025, offering a clear counter-narrative to the party's critics.
Congress as a Living Ideology
Kharge emphatically stated that the Indian National Congress represents an ideology, and such core belief systems possess an inherent immortality. He argued that while political fortunes may ebb and flow, the ideological bedrock of the party remains unshaken. This perspective positions the Congress as a constant in India's political landscape, defined by its values rather than transient electoral outcomes.
A Stand Against Divisive Politics
Central to his address was a pointed distinction between the Congress's approach and that of its rivals. Kharge asserted that the Congress has never asked for votes in the name of religion. He further strengthened this claim by declaring that the party has a consistent record of refusing to spread hatred by exploiting tensions between religious sites, specifically mentioning the sensitive temple-mosque discourse. This was seen as a direct critique of political strategies perceived to be based on religious polarization.
Reaffirming Core Secular Values
The statements serve as a strategic reaffirmation of the Congress's commitment to secularism and inclusive politics. In the current climate, Kharge's words aim to recalibrate the party's public identity, reminding voters of its historical stance. By distancing the party from identity-based mobilization, the leadership seeks to reclaim what it views as the moral high ground and its original constitutional mandate.
The message from the Congress president is clear: the party's resilience lies in its ideological commitment to pluralism and unity, principles it claims to have upheld without compromise throughout its long history.
