Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced the upcoming “Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan” conference to be held on December 27 in Belagavi, commemorating the centenary of the historic Congress session presided over by Mahatma Gandhi in 1924.
Addressing the media at the CPED ground on Club Road, Shivakumar highlighted the significance of the event and detailed the extensive preparations underway. “This program celebrates our history and is not just a Congress event but a gathering for everyone. It’s a moment of pride for Karnataka, with Mallikarjun Kharge, a son of our soil, now leading the Congress at the national level,” he remarked.
Highlights of the Program
- December 26:
- A statue of Mahatma Gandhi will be unveiled at Veer Soudha at 10:00 AM.
- A photo exhibition and Khadi Mela will be inaugurated.
- The Gangadhar Deshpande Memorial will also be unveiled, followed by an exhibition of his contributions.
- The Congress Working Committee meeting will commence at 3:00 PM, with a dinner hosted by the AICC President at 7:00 PM.
- December 27:
- The Gandhi statue at Suvarna Soudha will be unveiled by Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi at 10:30 AM.
- A public meeting will be held at 1:00 PM, following a banquet hosted by the Chief Minister.
Celebratory Illumination in Belagavi
Shivakumar praised the electric decorations across Belagavi city, likening them to the illuminations seen during the 1924 session. “The city looks splendid, and I encourage everyone, especially from Kittur Karnataka, to witness this,” he added.
Involvement and Security
The conference will see participation from Congress leaders nationwide, including current and former Chief Ministers, Pradesh Congress Committee Presidents, and other key dignitaries. Over 3,000 police personnel will ensure the event’s security, with traffic and parking arrangements in place.
The DCM emphasized that the event is part of a broader “Gandhi Bharat” year-long program to promote Gandhian principles through debates and discussions in schools and colleges across the state.
Shivakumar also addressed questions regarding local leadership involvement, political inclusivity, and the BJP’s criticism. He asserted that the program honors the legacy of freedom fighters and Gandhi’s enduring influence, urging all political factions to join the celebrations.
Asked about Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar expressing displeasure about not being invited to the event in a respectful way, he said, “We will ensure red carpet till his house. The Chief Minister called him in my presence. His name is there in the invitation too. He could not give a respectful farewell to his relative Suresh Angadi, why did he not talk then?
Asked why a proposal about the event hasn’t gone to the Centre, he said, “We are doing this programme in our state. Let the Centre do this programme too, aren’t they aware of the importance of the event? BJP can’t take credit for Gandhiji’s contribution, it solely belongs to the Congress party.”