Congress Mobilizes in Varanasi with 'Constitution Dialogue Rally' Against Modi Government
In a significant political move, Congress members in Varanasi, also known as Kashi, launched a public appeal on Sunday, urging citizens to take to the streets and engage in a struggle to remove Prime Minister Narendra Modi from power both in the constituency and at the central level. The party organized a 'Constitution Dialogue Rally' at Shastri Ghat, aiming to galvanize party workers and the general public against what they described as a series of threats to India's democratic fabric.
Rally Focuses on Protecting Democracy and Kashi's Identity
The event served as a platform to address multiple grievances, including the alleged disturbance of Kashi's unique identity, crises over the autonomy of democratic institutions, attacks on secularism, assaults on the federal structure, and dangers to democracy and the Constitution. Speakers at the rally consistently targeted BJP-led governments at both the central and state levels, highlighting specific issues that have sparked controversy.
Key allegations raised during the rally included:
- The alleged desecration of Rani Ahilyabai's statue during the redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat.
- Challenges to the authority of Swami Avimukteshwaranand in Prayagraj.
- Accusations of tampering with Kashi's culture, heritage, soul, and identity.
Congress Leaders Voice Strong Criticisms
Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee president Ajay Rai emphasized that the rally was not merely about safeguarding Kashi's identity but also about preserving democracy itself. He stated that the event in the Prime Minister's constituency provided a medium for residents to convey their voices to the government. Rai made a pointed appeal, saying, "We will not allow the destruction and plunder of Kashi's temples, idols, ghats, markets, and rural lands for his industrialist friends, and we urge the PM not to punish the people of Kashi because the elections you won were won dishonestly."
AICC general secretary Avinash Pandey targeted the Systematic Voter Registration System (SIR), alleging that people's voting rights are being systematically snatched away. He vowed that Congress would sacrifice everything to strengthen the country's constitution and democracy, ensuring that the dreams of the nation's great leaders and freedom fighters are not shattered.
Broader Political Accusations and Calls to Action
Party national spokesperson Pawan Khera escalated the rhetoric by claiming that Prime Minister Modi had not made a trade deal with the United States but rather a "threat deal," where India's sovereignty was compromised. He alleged that America would monitor India as if it were a nation of thieves, raising concerns about national integrity.
Other national spokesperson Supriya Shrinate directed her message toward the youth, calling on them to unite against what she termed a dictatorial BJP government and to work towards uprooting it completely in the upcoming 2027 elections. This appeal underscores the party's strategy to mobilize younger voters for long-term political change.
Parliamentarians Rally Support for Constitutional Protection
Several Members of Parliament added their voices to the cause. MP Kishori Lal Sharma appealed to Congress workers to actively participate in saving the Constitution and democracy. MP Ujjwal Raman Singh highlighted the perceived suppression of opposition voices, noting that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is not being allowed to speak in Parliament, which he argued necessitates taking the struggle to the streets.
MP Imran Masood delivered a passionate statement, declaring, "Our ancestors created the Constitution and democracy through struggle and sacrifice; we will not let it be destroyed." This sentiment echoed throughout the rally, reinforcing the party's commitment to defending democratic principles.
The 'Constitution Dialogue Rally' in Varanasi marks a concerted effort by the Congress party to challenge the BJP's governance, focusing on local and national issues while rallying public support ahead of future electoral battles. The event underscores the deepening political tensions in one of India's most significant constituencies.
