Dr. Bhalchandra Mungekar Urges Defeating Communal Forces for a Secular Government

Mumbai, 28th December 2023: The 139th foundation day of the Congress was commemorated with zeal and fervour at Tilak Bhavan, where former MP Dr. Bhalchandra Mungekar delivered a passionate appeal for unity against communal and bigoted forces to establish a government rooted in secular principles.

The Congress party, instrumental in India’s independence and subsequent rise as a global power, has faced challenges in the last decade with the rise of fanaticism. Dr. Mungekar highlighted the threat posed by bigotry to the country’s constitution and democracy. Expressing concern over these issues, he urged the public to unite and strive for a government founded on secular ideals in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

At the celebration, Dr Mungekar hoisted the flag and spoke about the significant role played by the Congress Party since its establishment in Mumbai in 1885. Noting the contributions of iconic leaders such as Lokmanya Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Maulana Azad, and Subhash Chandra Bose, he emphasized the party’s role in the freedom movement.

During its 58 years in power out of the 75 years post-independence, the Congress Party, led by figures like Pandit Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, PV Narasimha Rao, and Dr Manmohan Singh, contributed significantly to scientific, agricultural, social, educational, and medical progress in the country.

Dr Mungekar lamented attempts in recent years to disrupt the harmonious coexistence of diverse castes and religions in India. He expressed concern about the perilous combination of religious and state power, posing a significant threat to the nation’s identity. In response, he called on everyone to unite and defeat these divisive forces.

The event was attended by various Congress leaders, including State Congress Treasurer Amarjitsinh Manhas, State General Secretary Munaf Hakim, Former MLA Subhash Chavan, Senior Vice President Shivji Singh, and other party activists. Dr Mungekar extended his wishes to Congress workers and office bearers on the occasion of Congress Foundation Day.