The Congress on Friday (October 2, 2026) paid rich tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary, with Rahul Gandhi saying he taught “us never to bow before injustice,” as standing firm with truth and non-violence is true strength.
While Mr. Gandhi said truth, non-violence and fearlessness are Bapu’s greatest legacy, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said remaining steadfast on the Father of the Nation’s principles of truth, non-violence, harmony and justice was the true tribute to him.
The Congress leaders paid floral tributes at Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial at Rajghat in the morning.
In a post in Hindi on X, Mr. Kharge said, “‘First they will ignore you, then they will laugh at you, then they will fight you, and then you will win.’ ~ Mahatma Gandhi. The Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, who gave strength to truth, courage to non-violence, and made Satyagraha the most powerful weapon against injustice, not only guided India’s freedom struggle but also showed the entire world the path of humanity, compassion, and peace.”
Today, when new challenges stand before his thoughts and values, remaining steadfast on Bapu’s principles of truth, non-violence, harmony and justice is the true tribute to him, Mr. Kharge said. “On Gandhi Jayanti, humble salutations to Bapu and heartfelt best wishes to all fellow countrymen,” he added.
In his post in Hindi on X, Mr. Gandhi said, “Truth, non-violence, and fearlessness — these are Bapu’s greatest legacy. They taught us never to bow before injustice; standing firm with truth and non-violence is true strength.” “On the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi ji, I pay my humble respects,” the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha said.
The Congress also remembered former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary, and former Congress leader K. Kamaraj on his death anniversary. Mr. Kharge and Mr. Gandhi also paid floral tributes at Shastri’s memorial at Vijay Ghat in the morning.
In a post in Hindi on X, Mr. Kharge said, “A symbol of simplicity, integrity, and national service, the life of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri ji is an extraordinary example of dedication to India.” From land reforms to strengthening the foundations of the Green and White Revolutions, from abolishing third-class travel in railways to arranging seats for women in buses, and providing steadfast leadership to the country in the 1965 war, his contribution to nation-building is unforgettable, Mr. Kharge said.
“His simple life, imbued with Gandhian values and lofty ideals, will continue to inspire us forever. ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,'” the Congress chief said.
Paying tribute to Mr. Kamaraj, Mr. Kharge said: “We pay our respectful tribute to Bharat Ratna K. Kamaraj, one of India’s distinguished nation-builders, remembered for his simplicity, integrity and unwavering commitment to public service.”
“Kamarajar dedicated his life to social justice and the welfare of the people. His pioneering initiatives, including the Mid-Day Meal scheme, helped bring education within the reach of millions of underprivileged children,” Mr. Kharge said.
His vision of inclusive progress, compassionate governance and service to the nation continues to inspire generations, he added.
Published – October 02, 2026 12:25 pm IST
