Save the Constitution’ National March : In a historic decision made at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Belagavi, Karnataka, the Indian National Congress has announced the commencement of a year-long ‘Save the Constitution’ National March on January 26, 2025. This ambitious initiative aims to promote public awareness about the importance of safeguarding the Constitution amidst contemporary challenges to its values and principles.
A New Chapter: From Bharat Jodo Yatra to Save the Constitution
The Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, highlighted the resounding success of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, which rejuvenated the party and strengthened its grassroots connections. Building upon this momentum, the new march seeks to underscore the significance of constitutional integrity and democratic resilience.
Purpose of the ‘Save the Constitution’ March
The ‘Save the Constitution’ march is a year-long initiative designed to:
- Foster public awareness about the Constitution’s fundamental principles.
- Mobilize citizens against threats to democratic values.
- Promote inclusivity, social justice, and unity in diversity.
The march is expected to traverse various states, engaging with citizens through public dialogues, cultural programs, and community participation.
Key Announcements from the Congress Working Committee Meeting
The CWC meeting witnessed robust discussions about the party’s future strategies, led by senior leaders such as Rahul Gandhi and K.C. Venugopal. Some significant highlights include:
- Launch of Constitution-Centric Campaigns:
The Congress will initiate campaigns like ‘Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan’, running from December 2024 to January 2026, focusing on raising awareness about social and constitutional issues. - Tributes to the Late Dr. Manmohan Singh:
The untimely demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh during the meeting cast a somber shadow. Senior Congress leaders expressed their profound grief, terming his loss as an irreparable void for both the party and the nation. - Renewed Energy Post Bharat Jodo Yatra:
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh emphasized how the Bharat Jodo Yatra revitalized the party and provided it with new energy. The Save the Constitution march is envisioned to channel this vigor toward addressing broader national concerns.
Strategic Goals of the Save the Constitution March
Reinforcing the Spirit of Democracy
This march aims to counteract growing concerns about authoritarianism and weakening democratic institutions. The Congress intends to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and protect their rights under the constitutional framework.
Addressing Socio-Economic Disparities
By connecting with the masses, the march will focus on critical issues such as unemployment, poverty, and inflation, advocating for policies rooted in justice and equality.
Celebrating Diversity
Recognizing India’s pluralistic heritage, the campaign will highlight the Constitution’s vision of unity in diversity, fostering harmony across communities.
Congress’s Comprehensive Strategy
The Congress party’s approach includes a mix of grassroots mobilization, public engagement, and media outreach. These efforts are geared toward creating a nationwide movement that not only promotes awareness but also inspires action to uphold constitutional values.
Nationwide Outreach Programs
The march will be complemented by rallies, town hall meetings, and educational campaigns aimed at demystifying the Constitution and its relevance to daily life.
Partnerships with Civil Society
The Congress plans to collaborate with activists, academics, and civil society organizations to ensure the march resonates with a broad audience.
A Look Back: The Legacy of Dr. Manmohan Singh
The sudden demise of Dr. Manmohan Singh during the CWC meeting was a poignant moment for the Congress. As a towering figure in Indian politics and a visionary economist, Dr. Singh’s contributions to India’s development were celebrated in heartfelt tributes. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing his vision of a progressive and inclusive India.
Implications for the Political Landscape
The Save the Constitution march comes at a crucial juncture as the country gears up for the 2024 general elections. By focusing on constitutional values and grassroots issues, the Congress seeks to:
- Strengthen its ideological narrative.
- Present itself as a credible alternative to the ruling party.
- Reconnect with voters across socio-economic strata.
Anticipated Public Impact
Given the success of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, the Save the Constitution march is expected to draw significant public participation, reinforcing the Congress’s relevance in contemporary politics.
Conclusion: A March Towards Unity and Justice
The ‘Save the Constitution’ National March represents a bold step by the Congress to reclaim its legacy as a custodian of India’s democratic and constitutional ethos. As the march unfolds across the nation, it promises to rekindle the collective spirit of constitutional patriotism and inspire a renewed commitment to justice, equality, and fraternity.
