Agartala: Dec 26: On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi assuming the role of President of the National Congress, the Pradesh Congress organized a tribute program at the Congress Bhavan. The event included paying respects to Gandhi, raising the national and party flags, and commemorating his contributions to the freedom movement. However, the program was marked by the absence of Pradesh Congress President Ashish Kumar Saha and Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman, raising questions about internal party issues. While the Congress leadership was largely silent, several former leaders, including former Pradesh Congress President Birajit Sinha and former President Pijush Kanti Biswas, made an appearance.
Pijush Kanti Biswas, the former Pradesh Congress President, hoisted the national flag at the event. Later, Birajit Sinha spoke to the media and highlighted the historical significance of the day, marking Gandhi’s first presidency of the All India Congress in 1924 at the Belgram session. Gandhi’s central principles were non-violence and establishing a democratic society, which he achieved by uniting the nation in the struggle against British rule. However, Sinha lamented that after the rise of the BJP government, a war has been declared against the marginalized sections of society, with attempts to amend the Constitution and create an atmosphere of hatred against figures like Ambedkar.
Sinha criticized the BJP for serving the interests of the upper caste and certain industrialists while undermining the rights of the marginalized. He emphasized that the entire nation condemns the Modi government, and Congress, following Gandhi’s principles, will lead a nationwide protest. Sinha concluded by demanding the resignation of the Union Home Minister, asserting that Gandhi’s teachings on non-violence still resonate globally, despite the criticisms Gandhi faced in his time.
