Party's objective is public welfare, progress of people, says Kharge

The Congress also launched its campaign for 2024 Lok Sabha elections with the 'Hain Tayyar Hum' rally in Nagpur.

New Delhi: The Congress has always worked towards building an India that is based on parliamentary democracy and equality, its president Mallikarjun Kharge said on Thursday as the party celebrated its 139th foundation day and kick-stared its Lok Sabha poll campaign with a mega rally in Nagpur.

In a post on X, Kharge said, "The objective of the Indian National Congress is public welfare and progress of the people of India."

The Congress believes in an India that is based on parliamentary democracy, where there is equality and opportunities for all without any discrimination, and where political, economic and social rights enshrined in the Constitution are followed, he said.

"We are proud that for the last 138 years we have been struggling with full honesty to build such an India. My heartiest greetings to every Indian on the occasion of Congress' foundation day," he said.

"The Congress represents the will of the people. It is synonymous with struggle, compassion, freedom, justice and equality. On the solemn occasion of Congress foundation day, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to protect the Constitution of India and uphold the values of democracy," he said in another post on X.

To mark the occasion, Kharge hoisted the national flag at the party headquarters here in the presence of senior leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Wishing party workers on X, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi said he is proud to be part of an organisation like the Congress, which has truth and non-violence as its foundation, love, fraternity, respect and equality as its pillars, and patriotism as its roof.

Party general secretary K C Venugopal, in a post on X, said the Congress is a party that fought for "our cherished freedom". He said the party that laid the foundation for a modern India, catapulted India's economy into the 21st century, and brought a rights based safety net.

"It is not just a party, it is India's soul. Immensely proud to be a part of the Indian National Congress as we celebrate its 139th founding day," he said.

The Congress kickstarted its campaign for next year's Lok Sabha elections with the 'Hain Tayyar Hum' rally in Maharashtra's Nagpur.

Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole on Wednesday had said that the party will give a message of change to defeat the BJP.