Congress fighting nationwide to safeguard Constitution: Ramesh Chennithala

Thiruvananthapuram, August 15: Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala on Saturday said that attempts are being made across the country to undermine the Constitution and constitutional values, and to inflame communal tensions. He asserted that the Indian National Congress is engaged in a nationwide struggle to counter these efforts.

Speaking at the 80th Independence Day celebrations held at the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram, Mr. Chennithala, a former Home Minister of Kerala, said the nation is firmly anchored in the eight decades of development and progress brought about by the Congress. He expressed confidence that the Independence Day celebrations would strengthen the party's resolve to uphold constitutional ideals.

Mr. Chennithala's remarks come at a time when political parties across the spectrum are invoking constitutional values in their public discourse. The Congress has consistently accused the ruling central government of attempting to alter the basic structure of the Constitution, while the government denies such allegations and says its policies are aimed at national development.

The event at the KPCC headquarters saw the participation of several senior party functionaries. Those present included KPCC General Secretary (Organisation) Neyyattinkara Sanal, Political Affairs Committee members Cherian Philip, V.S. Sivakumar and Pandalam Sudhakaran; KPCC Vice Presidents Palode Ravi and T. Sarathchandra Prasad; General Secretaries Maryapuram Sreekumar, Manacaud Suresh, M.A. Vahid, K.B. Sasikumar, Alsajitha Rasal and R. Lakshmi; Jawahar Bal Manch All India Chairman G.V. Hari; and Seva Dal Chairman Ramesan Karuvacherry, along with K. Mohan Kumar and Varkala Kahar.

The Independence Day celebrations were held in a solemn atmosphere, with the hoisting of the national flag and singing of the national anthem. Party workers and leaders gathered in large numbers, reflecting the Congress's organisational strength in the state.

Mr. Chennithala's speech focused on the party's historical role in shaping modern India. He highlighted the contributions of the Congress in building the country's democratic institutions, secular fabric and social welfare framework. He argued that these achievements are now under threat from forces that seek to divide the nation on religious lines.

The Congress leader also urged party workers to remain vigilant and actively counter anti-constitutional narratives. He called upon citizens to stand firm in defence of the Constitution, which he described as the bedrock of Indian democracy.

Political observers note that Mr. Chennithala's statements are part of the Congress's broader strategy to position itself as the principal defender of the Constitution ahead of upcoming elections. The party has been organising similar events and campaigns across the country to highlight what it calls threats to constitutional values.

However, the Bharatiya Janata Party and other right-wing groups have dismissed such accusations as politically motivated, asserting that the Constitution remains fully intact and that the government works within its framework.

The Independence Day event in Thiruvananthapuram concluded with a pledge by party workers to rededicate themselves to the service of the nation and the protection of its constitutional ethos.

As the nation celebrates its 78th year of independence (with the 80th anniversary of the Quit India Movement and historic milestones being commemorated), leaders across parties have used the occasion to reflect on the country's journey and future challenges.