Congress Marks 140th Foundation Day, Reaffirms Commitment to Democracy

New Delhi, Dec 2025 : The Indian National Congress on Sunday celebrated its 140th Foundation Day with a flag-hoisting ceremony at Indira Bhawan in the national capital, marking a significant milestone in the party’s long political journey. The event was attended by top party leaders, including Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, along with several senior leaders and party workers.

The Congress shared visuals of the ceremony on social media platform X, stating that the party leadership reaffirmed its resolve to take the Congress ideology and vision to every citizen. The post underlined the party’s commitment to social justice, inclusiveness and building a prosperous India.

After hoisting the party flag, Mallikarjun Kharge addressed party workers and extended greetings on the occasion of the Foundation Day, along with advance wishes for the New Year. Recalling the party’s origins, he said the Indian National Congress was founded on December 28, 1885, in Mumbai, and played a central role in India’s freedom struggle. Kharge noted that millions of Congress workers made sacrifices, endured imprisonment and faced hardships to secure independence for the country.

Paying tribute to the freedom fighters associated with the Congress, Kharge said that under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, the party transformed the national movement by bringing women, the poor and people from all sections of society into the struggle for freedom. He also referred to the historic 1931 Karachi resolution, stating that its principles later became the foundation of India’s Constitution. At the same time, he cautioned that democracy in the country was currently facing serious challenges.

Highlighting important milestones, Kharge said the nation is marking 75 years since the adoption of the Constitution, the 150th anniversary of the Constitution, and the centenary of Sarojini Naidu becoming Congress president. He observed that many countries which attained independence around 1947 failed to sustain democracy or fell into dictatorship, whereas India continued as a democratic nation. He attributed this achievement to the vision, leadership and sacrifices of Congress leaders.

Kharge credited successive Congress governments with shaping modern India through major initiatives such as the Green Revolution, the White Revolution, and the growth of the automobile, information technology and communications sectors. Referring to the UPA years, he said that under Sonia Gandhi’s leadership, the rights of citizens were strengthened and that landmark decisions taken during Manmohan Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister earned international recognition.

Criticising the BJP-led central government, Kharge alleged that over the past 11 years, institutions built by the Congress had been weakened. He expressed concern over threats to “jal, jungle aur zameen” (water, forests and land) and accused the RSS of undermining constitutional values.

Calling upon party workers to remain united, Kharge urged them to respond to political opponents in a civilised and dignified manner. He invoked Mahatma Gandhi’s belief that truth ultimately prevails, even without majority support.

The Congress Foundation Day is being celebrated across the country with various programmes highlighting the party’s 140-year legacy and its role in shaping India’s democratic and constitutional framework.

Team Maverick.