Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge hoists national flag at AICC headquarters
New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday used his Independence Day address to launch a sharp political attack on the BJP-led government, raising concerns over democracy, constitutional institutions, economic inequality and the future direction of the country.
Addressing party workers after hoisting the national flag at the AICC headquarters, Indira Bhawan, on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, Kharge reflected on India's freedom struggle, the Congress party's role in nation-building and the challenges facing the country today. He said Independence Day was not only an occasion to remember the sacrifices of freedom fighters but also an opportunity to evaluate how much of their vision for India had been achieved.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge hoisted the National Flag at Indira Bhawan in the presence of CPP Chairperson Sonia Gandhi ji and LoP Rahul Gandhi on the occasion of Independence Day.#IndependenceDay2026 #JaiHind @kharge @INCIndia @RahulGandhi
— Dynamite News (@DynamiteNews_) August 15, 2026
Kharge said the true celebration of independence would come when every child receives quality education, every citizen has access to proper healthcare, people get dignified employment opportunities and farmers, labourers and weaker sections receive justice and equal opportunities.
Kharge recalled the Congress party's role in India's freedom movement, stating that the organisation spent decades fighting against British rule and contributed significantly to the independence struggle. He paid tribute to millions of freedom fighters who faced imprisonment, hardships and sacrifices during the colonial period.
He said the dream of India's freedom fighters was not limited to political independence but also included freedom from poverty, unemployment, social discrimination, injustice and fear. According to him, the real meaning of independence lies in ensuring dignity, equality and security for every citizen.
Highlighting the contribution of previous Congress governments, Kharge said successive prime ministers worked according to the challenges of their respective periods and helped build institutions that shaped modern India.
He referred to Jawaharlal Nehru's focus on scientific development, research and technology, saying that India's scientific ecosystem was strengthened through investments in institutions and innovation. He highlighted the importance of organisations such as ISRO and DRDO in strengthening the country's scientific and defence capabilities.
Kharge also mentioned Lal Bahadur Shastri's contribution towards strengthening agriculture through initiatives linked with the Green Revolution and White Revolution. He said Indira Gandhi played an important role in enhancing India's strategic and military capabilities.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge: My heartiest greetings and best wishes to all of you. Today's historic day is not merely a day to commemorate the struggle for independence, but also an occasion to ask: to what extent has the dream of India envisioned by our freedom… pic.twitter.com/5r3OMYQnqu
— Dynamite News (@DynamiteNews_) August 15, 2026
Kharge highlighted the contributions of former prime ministers Rajiv Gandhi, P.V. Narasimha Rao and Dr Manmohan Singh in shaping India's economic, technological and social policies.
Speaking about Rajiv Gandhi, Kharge said he worked towards peace initiatives in Punjab and the Northeast, strengthened India's defence preparedness and laid the foundation for the information technology revolution. He also highlighted reforms related to education, skill development and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, saying these initiatives created new opportunities for young Indians.
He said Rajiv Gandhi's decision to reduce the voting age from 21 years to 18 years expanded democratic participation and reflected his focus on empowering the youth.
Referring to P.V. Narasimha Rao's tenure, Kharge highlighted the economic liberalisation reforms that opened India to global markets and helped position the country as an emerging investment destination.
He also discussed the role of Dr Manmohan Singh's government in combining economic growth with social welfare measures. Kharge referred to schemes and laws such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Right to Education Act, Right to Information Act, Forest Rights Act and National Food Security Act, saying these measures strengthened the legal rights of poor and vulnerable communities.
Kharge credited Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi for her role in shaping welfare-oriented policies during the UPA era and said these initiatives focused on providing rights-based governance.
Targeting the Modi government, Kharge alleged that key constitutional institutions, including the Election Commission, judiciary, universities, investigative agencies and media organisations, have faced interference, affecting public trust.
He questioned the functioning of parliamentary democracy and raised concerns over the government's response to issues highlighted by the Opposition.
Kharge said he and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi had repeatedly raised concerns related to students and young people but alleged that the government had not provided adequate answers on these matters in Parliament.
Defending the right to peaceful protest, Kharge said citizens raising their voices for their rights cannot be considered anti-national. He argued that the Constitution provides people with the right to express their concerns through democratic means.
Kharge alleged that unemployment and economic uncertainty have affected the aspirations of young Indians and claimed that government policies have created difficulties for the youth.
He said Congress would continue supporting students, young people and citizens demanding accountability, adding that development and prosperity can only come in an atmosphere of peace and social harmony.
Kharge stressed that independence was not merely about a transfer of power but about improving the lives of ordinary citizens. He said the country's progress should be measured by whether people have access to education, healthcare, employment opportunities and social justice. He highlighted the need to eliminate caste-based discrimination, including untouchability, and ensure greater participation of women in India's development process.
Raising concerns over economic inequality, Kharge alleged that the gap between the rich and poor has widened and that economically weaker sections continue to face hardships. He also raised questions over transparency and accountability in matters involving public faith and donations connected with religious institutions, stating that such issues require proper oversight.
Kharge criticised the government's development claims and alleged that several achievements being highlighted today were built through decades of institutional development and policy decisions taken by previous governments.
Recalling the Quit India Movement, he said young people played a crucial role in advancing the freedom struggle when senior leaders were imprisoned. He argued that today's youth must also be empowered to participate in shaping India's future. He reiterated Congress' vision of an India where the voices of the poor are heard, farmers live with dignity, young people achieve their aspirations and citizens can question those in power without fear.
Kharge's Independence Day address reflected Congress' broader political narrative centred around constitutional protection, social justice, economic equality and institutional independence. The remarks came amid an ongoing political debate between the BJP and Opposition parties over India's development model, governance priorities and the future direction of democracy.
Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and several senior party leaders and office-bearers were present during the flag-hoisting ceremony at Indira Bhawan.
