On the 140th Foundation Day of the Indian National Congress, party president Mallikarjun Kharge delivered a powerful message, emphasizing the enduring nature of the Congress ideology. Speaking to party leaders and workers at the Indira Bhawan headquarters on Sunday, December 28, 2025, Kharge asserted that "Congress is an ideology, and ideologies never die".
Kharge used the occasion to address critics who claim the Congress is a spent force. He acknowledged the party's reduced political power but affirmed its unwavering commitment to its core principles. "Today, on Foundation Day, I want to clearly say one thing to those who say 'the Congress is finished'. I want to tell them that our power may be less, but our spine is still straight," Kharge declared. He emphasized that the Congress has not compromised on the Constitution, secularism, and the rights of the poor. "We may not be in power, but we will not bargain," he added.
Kharge took a swipe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing them of politicizing religion and creating divisions within society. "The Congress unites, the BJP divides," he stated. He contrasted the Congress's approach to religion with that of the BJP, asserting that "For us, religion has always been a matter of faith, not politics". Kharge claimed that while the BJP currently holds power, it lacks moral authority. He further accused the ruling party of suppressing data, halting the Census, and contemplating changes to the Constitution.
Reflecting on India's democratic journey, Kharge highlighted the Congress party's role in establishing India as the world's largest democracy. He pointed out that many nations that gained independence alongside India had failed or succumbed to dictatorship, emphasizing that India's vibrant democracy is a result of the Congress party's leadership. He said that the Congress has consistently worked for welfare, empowerment and inclusive development, guided by the constitutional promise of political, economic and social equality.
Kharge described the Congress's 140-year history as embodying "truth, non-violence, sacrifice, struggle and patriotism". He also noted the historical significance of 2025, marking the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi becoming the Congress president, the 75th year of the adoption of the Constitution, and the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.
The Foundation Day event was attended by prominent Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
