Patel was against RSS ideology, claims by Sangh on his legacy laughable : Mallikarjun Kharge

Addressing the party’s extended working committee meeting in Ahmedabad, Kharge  said that Sardar Patel’s ideology was contrary to the RSS’s views, and it is ridiculous that people from this organization now claim his legacy.

Kharge further alleged that today, communal division is being used to divert attention from the country’s fundamental issues, and feudal monopolies are seizing resources while moving toward controlling governance.

Emphasizing the need to strengthen the organization, he said it is essential to advance the party’s ideology. The working committee meeting was held at the ‘Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial’ here.

He said, “This year marks the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi becoming the Congress president. In December 1924, the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, became the president at the Belgaum Congress session in my home state of Karnataka. We celebrated this centenary on December 26 in Karnataka.”

He pointed out that three great personalities born on Gujarat’s soil—Dadabhai Naoroji, Mahatma Gandhi, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel—served as presidents of the Congress party. He said, “Gandhi ji gave us the weapons of truth and non-violence against injustice. This is such a powerful ideological weapon that no force can stand against it.”

The Congress president said, “This year, on October 31, we will celebrate Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary. Jawaharlal Nehru called him ‘the architect of India’s unity.’ We will celebrate his 150th birth anniversary with great enthusiasm across the country.”

He alleged that for several years, a deliberate conspiracy has been hatched on many national heroes. Kharge said that an atmosphere is being created against the Congress party, which has a glorious 140-year history of service and struggle in the country.

Targeting the BJP and RSS, he said, “They conspire to portray the relationship between Sardar Patel and Pandit Nehru as if these two heroes were against each other. But the truth is that they were two sides of the same coin. Numerous events and documents bear witness to their warm relationship.”

He added, “You can understand how much Sardar Patel loved Nehru ji from this: On October 14, 1949, Sardar Patel said that no one knows better than me the tireless effort Nehru ji put in for the country during the past two difficult years. I have seen him age rapidly under the burden of immense responsibility during this time.”

He said, “Friends, Sardar Patel’s ideology was opposed to the RSS’s views. He had even banned the RSS. But it’s ridiculous that today, people from that organisation claim Sardar Patel’s legacy.”

Kharge stressed, “Sardar Patel resides in our hearts and thoughts. We are carrying forward his legacy.” He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of insulting Babasaheb Ambedkar.

Kharge said, “In its 140-year history, Congress drew its greatest strength from certain provinces, and Gujarat stands at the forefront. Today, we have come here again to draw inspiration and strength. Our real strength lies in our ideology of national unity, integrity, and social justice.”

He added, “But to advance that ideology today, it is essential that we first strengthen ourselves and our organization.”