Karad, May 10 — Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal on Saturday strongly asserted that the Indian National Congress is deeply embedded in the country’s roots and history, stating that “the DNA of the Congress and that of the nation is the same.”
Speaking to reporters in Karad after paying tribute to Maharashtra’s first chief minister, Yashwantrao Chavan, Sapkal rebuffed claims about the decline of the Congress party. “Those who speak of the end of the Congress party are unaware of the nation’s glorious history,” he remarked.
Congress and India's Soul Are Intertwined, Says Sapkal
Sapkal emphasised that the Congress party’s ideology is inseparable from India’s cultural and traditional fabric. “Congress’ ideology and policies are rooted in India’s culture, traditions, and way of life. The party gave India its independence, established democracy, and brought prosperity to the nation,” he said.Calling the Congress legacy unmatched, he said, “A party with such a legacy can never be finished.”
Critics Ignorant of Freedom Struggle, He Claims
He strongly criticised those who predict the party's downfall, stating they dishonour the contributions of freedom fighters and ignore the ultimate sacrifices made by two former Congress prime ministers. “Even after independence, two Congress prime ministers laid down their lives for the country, something the critics seem to forget,” Sapkal added. He also pointed to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi by an extremist and questioned whether denying Congress’ role amounted to sedition.India Facing Crisis, Must Stand Behind Army: Sapkal
Addressing the current national situation, Sapkal said the country is experiencing a crisis akin to wartime and urged unity behind the Indian Army. “India has fought valiantly under dire circumstances and emerged victorious. We must now stand with the Indian Army with the same resolve,” he said.Tribute to Yashwantrao Chavan and Maharashtra’s Political Ideals
Remembering Yashwantrao Chavan, Sapkal highlighted the former chief minister’s dignity and exemplary conduct in public life. He said Chavan brought pride to Maharashtra and served as a model for political behavior.“As Congress state president, I am reminded of Maharashtra’s ethos of dignified, cultured politics and the direction it must continue to uphold,” he concluded.
