CWC Unveils Grassroots Revamp Plan, Targets Shah Over Ambedkar Remarks, and Announces Nationwide Year-Long Pad Yatra

BELAGAVI (Karnataka), Dec 26: The Congress party, in a significant move to address what it describes as the gravest threat to India’s Constitution and democratic framework, has announced a nationwide campaign aimed at raising public awareness on key issues such as rising inequalities, inflation, and the alleged undermining of constitutional principles. At an extended meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) in Belagavi, Karnataka, the party unveiled plans for a 13-month-long campaign titled the ‘Samvidhan Bachao Rashtriya Pad Yatra,’ which will commence on January 26, 2025, and culminate on January 26, 2026. This initiative, deeply rooted in the ideals of safeguarding the nation’s foundational values, marks a decisive step in the party’s ongoing efforts to revitalize its organizational structure and reconnect with citizens.

The CWC meeting, named ‘Nav Satyagraha Baithak,’ was convened to commemorate the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi’s presidency at the historic Belgaum session of the Congress. During the meeting, the party passed two critical resolutions, one commemorating Gandhi and the other outlining a strong political stance against recent developments. The Congress alleged that the Constitution, which represents the soul of Indian democracy, faces an unprecedented onslaught under the current administration. Specific attention was drawn to what the party termed Home Minister Amit Shah’s “denigration” of B. R. Ambedkar in Parliament. The Congress viewed this as part of a decades-long agenda by the BJP and its ideological mentor, the RSS, to undermine the country’s democratic ethos. The CWC demanded Shah’s immediate resignation and an apology to the nation for what it termed an insult to the architect of the Constitution.

Mallikarjun Kharge, in his opening address, highlighted the Congress’s commitment to preserving Ambedkar’s legacy and combating what he described as the ruling government’s disregard for constitutional values. He emphasized that the fight is not merely political but a moral obligation to uphold the principles of equality, justice, and liberty enshrined in the Constitution. Kharge also accused the government of undermining key democratic institutions such as the Election Commission and the judiciary, alleging that executive pressure has compromised their independence. He cited specific instances, including voter list manipulations and unexplained surges in voter turnout during elections, as indicators of the declining public trust in the electoral process.

The campaign will begin with a month-long phase titled ‘Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan,’ starting with a rally in Belagavi on December 27, 2024, and concluding in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, the birthplace of Ambedkar, on January 26, 2025. This phase will focus on rallies and marches at block, district, and state levels to generate momentum for the subsequent year-long Pad Yatra. The second phase, the ‘Samvidhan Bachao Rashtriya Pad Yatra,’ will take the campaign to every corner of the country, aiming to bring critical issues such as the Adani controversy, economic disparities, and price hikes into public discourse. Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary in charge of communications, stated that this Pad Yatra would emulate the success of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, which he described as a turning point in the party’s recent political journey.

In addition to its campaign against constitutional erosion, the Congress is preparing for an extensive internal reorganization. Kharge announced that 2025 would be a year dedicated to empowering the party’s organizational framework. The focus will be on filling vacant positions, implementing the Udaipur Declaration, and creating a robust structure capable of responding to electoral challenges at all levels, from the grassroots to the national stage. The Congress aims to identify ideologically committed individuals who can effectively communicate its vision and mobilize public support. Accountability will be a cornerstone of this organizational overhaul, ensuring that leadership roles are filled by capable and dedicated members.

The CWC also expressed deep concern over the state of democracy in the country, alleging that parliamentary proceedings have been obstructed by the treasury benches and accusing the government of stoking communal tensions for political gain. The resolution cited the ongoing violence in Manipur, which began in May 2023, as an example of the government’s indifference to critical national issues. The Congress condemned the proposed ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill, asserting that it undermines the federal structure of the Constitution. The party also criticized amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, which it claims restrict public access to crucial poll documents, thereby eroding transparency and accountability.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for Congress members to dedicate themselves fully to this critical juncture in the nation’s history. The party’s leaders emphasized the importance of engaging with citizens across all strata of society, building trust, and mobilizing collective action to defend democratic values. The campaign is expected to culminate in an AICC session in Gujarat in April 2025, reinforcing the party’s commitment to standing as a bulwark against perceived authoritarian tendencies. Through these measures, the Congress seeks not only to challenge the government but also to reaffirm its role as a protector of India’s constitutional and democratic legacy.