The Congress Working Committee (CWC) geared up for 'Nav Satyagraha Baithak' in Karnataka’s Belagavi on Friday commemorating the centenary of the 1924 Belgaum session of the Indian National Congress presided over by Mahatma Gandhi. This session holds immense historical importance as it was the only time Gandhi served as the Congress President.
The meeting, also aimed at formulating the party’s action plan for the coming year, is seen as a preparatory step for future political challenges. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi are set to unveil a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi on Friday. Both the leaders arrived at Belagavi on Thursday.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar unveiled Gandhiji's statue as part of the event.
On the event, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar said, " Congress's history is country's history, Congress has kept this country united. Whether Congress is in power or not it takes care of all the sections of the country. 100 years back, on this day at 3 pm, Mahatma Gandhi was elected as Congress President, at the same time CWC meeting will begin...this is a message for the country regarding the directions of Mahatma Gandhi and Congress..."
Congress leader Salman Khurshid hailed the meet as historic. Arriving at Belagavi, he said, " This is historical, history was made here 100 years ago...we need new inspiration and country...we need to take the country in the right direction and fight for the Constitution."
Congress leader Sachin Pilot said that the meet will be historic in many ways. He said, " This centenary is special, Congress is doing a very good job in the govt but this working committee meeting will set the pace and agenda for the next few months and years. This CWC meeting will be historic in many ways...we are all proud to be here...INDIA alliance is strong and Congress leadership will give directions on how to move forward and take on political opponents..."