New Delhi: On the occasion of the 76th Republic Day, Congress leaders greeted the nation, emphasizing the duty of all citizens to respect and protect the Constitution. The leaders took to social media to convey their messages which  highlighted the significance of the Constitution in upholding the values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.

Rahul Gandhi shared a post on social media platform X and wrote, “Happy Republic Day to all countrymen! Our Constitution, based on the values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity of our great freedom fighters, is the pride of the Indian Republic, it is the protective shield of every Indian irrespective of religion, caste, region, or language – it is the duty of all of us to respect and protect it. Jai Hind, Jai India, Jai Samvidhan.”

सभी देशवासियों को गणतंत्र दिवस की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ!

हमारे महान स्वतंत्रता सेनानियों के न्याय, स्वाधीनता, समानता और भाईचारे के मूल्यों पर आधारित हमारा संविधान भारतीय गणतंत्र का गौरव है, धर्म, जात, क्षेत्र, भाषा से परे हर भारतीय का सुरक्षा कवच है – इसका सम्मान और रक्षा हम सभी का… pic.twitter.com/RezPTvGhoD

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 26, 2025

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also took to social media, posting, “Heartiest greetings of Republic Day to all the countrymen. On this day, our Constitution came into force which guarantees justice, freedom, equality, and human dignity to every citizen. Our Constitution is the protector of the rights of every Indian. Our resolve to protect our Constitution is as strong as a rock. Jai Samvidan! Jai Hind!”

सभी देशवासियों को गणतंत्र दिवस की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं।

आज ही के दिन हमारा संविधान लागू हुआ था जिसने हर एक नागरिक को न्याय, स्वतंत्रता, समानता और मानवीय गरिमा की गारंटी दी। हमारा संविधान एक-एक भारतीय के अधिकारों का रक्षा कवच है। हमारे संविधान की रक्षा के लिए हमारा संकल्प चट्टान… pic.twitter.com/xGkJELounW

— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) January 26, 2025

Meanwhile, Congress national President Mallikarjun Kharge, in a letter addressed to the nation, slammed the Centre’s policies accusing the ruling government of degrading institutions and curtailing federalism. Kharge expressed concerns over the state of democracy and governance in the country citing instances of political interference in autonomous institutions, intrusion in universities and self-governing institutions and targeting of minorities.

Kharge’s letter read, “This year, we complete 75 years of adopting the conscience keeper and soul of the Indian Republic — the Constitution of India.” He remembered the makers of the Constitution, paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Babasaheb Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Dr Rajendra Prasad, Maulana Azad, Sarojini Naidu and others who contributed to shaping India’s republic.

Kharge also saluted the Armed Forces, paramilitary personnel and security forces for their sacrifices in upholding the nation’s integrity and sovereignty. He expressed gratitude to the scientists, teachers and farmers for their unparalleled contributions to nation-building, recognizing their role in making India a knowledge powerhouse and ensuring food security.

However, Kharge’s message was not without criticism. He accused the ruling government of undermining the principles of democracy and federalism, stating, “Political interference in autonomous institutions has become a norm. Exercising control over their independence is being seen as virtue of power. Federalism is being trampled on a daily basis and the rights of Opposition-governed states are being curtailed.”

Kharge further alleged, “The functioning of Parliament has seen tremendous backsliding due to the tyrannical tendency of the ruling government. Universities and self-governing institutions are witnessing constant intrusion. A large part of the media has been converted into a propaganda tool for the ruling party. Strangulating dissent by witch-hunting Opposition leaders has become the only policy of those in power.”

He concluded by calling for the protection of the Constitution’s core values, stating, “Every sacred tenet of the Constitution is being shredded into pieces by an authoritarian regime. It is high time we preserve and protect the ideas and ideals of our Constitution. Be ready to make every sacrifice to protect the Constitution. This will be the true tribute to our ancestors.”