– Abdul Bari Masoud
New Delhi: Reacting to the assembly election results in Maharashtra and Haryana, the Congress party announced a nationwide campaign to uphold democratic values and ensure free and fair elections in the country. The movement, modelled on Bharat Jodo Yatra, will culminate in a two-day session in Belgaum, Karnataka, on December 26–27, ahead of the party’s foundation day celebrations.
The Congress Working Committee (CWC) voiced concerns about the “partisan functioning” of the Election Commission, alleging that the electoral process has been “severely compromised.” It also reaffirmed its commitment to the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, accusing the BJP of violating the law.
At a press briefing following the CWC meeting, Congress leaders KC Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh, and Pawan Khera detailed the discussions chaired by party president Mallikarjun Kharge. Attendees included Rahul Gandhi, party members, and chief ministers.
The CWC passed a resolution expressing grave concerns about the erosion of electoral integrity. It stated: “The integrity of the electoral process is under serious threat. Free and fair elections, a Constitutional mandate, are being undermined by the Election Commission’s partisan behaviour.”
Jairam Ramesh emphasised that the party questioned the entire election process, not just the use of EVMs. Sources revealed that Priyanka Gandhi strongly advocated for a return to ballot papers, rejecting any compromise on the matter.
The resolution cited issues like alleged corruption involving a business group closely linked to the Prime Minister, ongoing violence in Manipur, and attempts to incite communal tensions in states like Uttar Pradesh. It criticised the Prime Minister for failing to visit Manipur since May 2023.
The CWC also expressed gratitude to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for supporting the National Conference-Congress alliance, while reiterating its demand for full statehood restoration.
The Congress admitted that its performance in Haryana was below expectations, noting electoral malpractices that may have influenced the results. Similarly, the party described the outcomes in Maharashtra as “shocking” and “inexplicable,” suggesting possible manipulation.
The resolution called for swift organisational reviews and follow-up actions to address these setbacks, urging party members to remain united and disciplined.
“There is no reason to panic. We must persevere with determination and resolve,” the resolution stated.
The CWC emphasised the need to maintain focus on key issues raised during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, including caste census for social justice, lifting the 50% cap on reservations for marginalised communities, combating monopolies, addressing unemployment, and curbing rising prices.
