Senior Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi has articulated the party's foundational philosophy, framing its long history as a steadfast movement aligned with India's most vulnerable populations. In a detailed opinion piece, he traced the Congress's evolution from the struggle for independence to its contemporary focus on welfare and social justice.
The Congress as a People's Movement
Jarkiholi emphasized that the story of the Congress is not merely a political chronicle but the narrative of a people's movement. He stated that the party has consistently stood, without wavering, alongside the nation's weakest, poorest, and most marginalized citizens. This commitment, he argued, forms the core of its identity and differentiates it from other political entities.
According to the leader, this alignment is not a recent electoral strategy but a principle embedded since the freedom struggle. The fight against colonial rule was intrinsically linked to a vision for an equitable society, a mission he claims the party has carried forward into governance and policy-making for decades.
From Independence to Welfare State
Jarkiholi's commentary connects the dots between the Congress's historic role in achieving independence and its subsequent efforts to build a welfare-oriented state. He positioned the party as the primary architect of India's social justice framework, which aims to uplift disadvantaged groups through legislation, affirmative action, and economic support schemes.
The leader's remarks, published on 30 December 2025, serve as a reassertion of the party's core ideology amid contemporary political challenges. By invoking this historical continuum, Jarkiholi seeks to remind the public of the Congress's foundational promise: to be the political voice for those on the fringes of society.
The Enduring Fight for Equity
In his view, the Congress's approach to social justice is a dynamic and ongoing project. It involves not just historical legacy but a continuous adaptation to new forms of marginalization and economic disparity. The party's policy agenda, he suggests, remains focused on creating a safety net and ensuring equal opportunities for all, particularly the oppressed and backward classes.
This perspective from a prominent Congress figure like Satish Jarkiholi is significant as it clearly outlines the party's self-perception and its intended political narrative. It frames every policy debate and electoral battle through the lens of this long-standing commitment to social welfare and justice, presenting the Congress as the guardian of India's pluralistic and inclusive ethos.
