Belagavi (Karnataka), January 21: On Tuesday morning, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah welcomed Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and party MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra at Belagavi Airport. The duo had traveled from Delhi early in the morning to attend the ‘Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan’ rally, which marks the 100th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s election as Congress president.
Alongside Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi, several prominent leaders, including CM Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, and other party figures, have gathered in Belagavi for the event.
Speaking ahead of the rally, DK Shivakumar praised Mahatma Gandhi, highlighting the global recognition of his leadership and non-violence movement. He emphasized that the rally commemorates 100 years since Gandhi chaired the 1924 Congress session in Belagavi, stressing that his values continue to inspire despite his passing.
“This isn’t just a Congress event in Belagavi. It’s a program to honor 100 years of Gandhiji as Congress president. His values live on, and we aim to carry forward his legacy,” Shivakumar remarked.
When asked about the BJP’s stance on the rally, Shivakumar dismissed their comments, labeling the party as the “Godse party,” criticizing them for lacking knowledge of India’s sacrifices and freedom struggle. “We don’t want to engage with the BJP, who are unaware of the freedom movement,” he added.
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge explained that the event, initially postponed due to the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, was rescheduled for January 21. He noted that the rally also seeks to send a strong message to the BJP government at the Centre.