140th Foundation day: Congress is an ideology and ideologies never die, says Mallikarjun Kharge

The celebration of the Indian National Congress's 140th Foundation Day on December 28, 2024, serves as a poignant reminder of the party's deep historical roots and its enduring, albeit evolving, role in Indian politics. With party President Mallikarjun Kharge asserting its ideological permanence and Rahul Gandhi describing it as "the voice of India’s soul," the event underscores the party's self-perception and its aspirations to reclaim its historical prominence.

**Background Context and Historical Journey:**

The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded on December 28, 1885, in Bombay by Allan Octavian Hume (A.O. Hume), a retired British civil servant. Its initial objective was to provide a platform for educated Indians to voice their concerns and demands for administrative reforms to the British government. While some historians subscribe to the 'safety valve theory' – that Hume intended it as an outlet for growing Indian discontent – it quickly evolved into the primary vehicle for India's struggle for independence. The early phase (1885-1905) was dominated by 'Moderates' like Dadabhai Naoroji, Surendranath Banerjee, and Gopal Krishna Gokhale, who believed in constitutional agitation. The 'Extremist' phase (1905-1919) saw leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal advocating for more assertive methods, especially after the Partition of Bengal in 1905. The arrival of Mahatma Gandhi in 1915 marked the 'Gandhian Era' (1919-1947), transforming the Congress into a mass movement through non-violent civil disobedience, leading to India's independence on August 15, 1947.

**Key Stakeholders and Their Significance:**

At the forefront are the **Indian National Congress** itself, representing a legacy of over a century of political activism, nation-building, and opposition politics. **Mallikarjun Kharge**, as the current President, is crucial in steering the party through its contemporary challenges, attempting to revive its organizational strength and electoral fortunes. **Rahul Gandhi**, a prominent leader from the Nehru-Gandhi family, plays a significant role in shaping the party's narrative and connecting with the electorate, often seen as the face of its future. Beyond the party leadership, the **Indian electorate** remains the ultimate stakeholder, whose choices determine the Congress's political relevance. Furthermore, **other political parties** in India's multi-party democracy constantly interact with and react to the Congress, shaping the broader political discourse and alliances.

**Significance for India and Broader Themes:**

The INC's significance for India is multifaceted. Historically, it was instrumental in forging a national identity and leading the freedom struggle. Post-independence, under leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, it laid the foundations of modern India, championing a secular, democratic, and socialist republic. Its policies shaped India's mixed economy, non-aligned foreign policy, and significant social reforms. Today, as the principal opposition party, its health is vital for the robust functioning of Indian democracy. A strong opposition ensures accountability, provides alternative policies, and safeguards democratic principles. The Congress's stated commitment to secularism and social justice continues to contribute to the ideological pluralism necessary for a diverse nation like India.

**Constitutional and Policy Connections:**

The ideals espoused by the Congress, particularly its emphasis on secularism, socialism, and democracy, are deeply embedded in the **Preamble of the Indian Constitution**. Its role as a political party is enshrined under the broader framework of **Article 19(1)(c)**, which guarantees the right to form associations and unions. The functioning and regulation of political parties, including their registration and recognition, are governed by the **Representation of the People Act, 1951**, and overseen by the **Election Commission of India (Article 324)**. The party's historical commitment to welfare and social justice aligns with the **Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV)**, particularly principles aiming for a welfare state and equitable distribution of resources.

**Future Implications:**

The future of the Indian National Congress has significant implications for Indian politics. A resurgence of the Congress could lead to a more balanced two-party or multi-party system, offering clearer alternatives to the ruling dispensation. This would foster healthier democratic debates and potentially lead to more nuanced policy-making. Conversely, continued decline could further centralize power and diminish the space for diverse ideological viewpoints. The party faces the challenge of adapting its historical ideology to contemporary issues, connecting with a younger electorate, and rebuilding its organizational structure. Its ability to articulate a compelling vision for India's future, beyond its historical legacy, will determine its trajectory and, by extension, influence the trajectory of Indian democracy itself.