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n the day of the congressional hearing on Monday, its interim president Sonia Gandhi called on party leaders and workers to unite in the fight against dictatorship and to protect the country's democracy, the Constitution and the people of the country. Speaking to party workers via a video message on the 136th day of the foundation of the party, Sonia Gandhi said the country was facing difficult times and compared it to pre independence.

Gandhi said the party was introduced as part of the "jan andolan" (people's movement) during the liberation struggle and saw the times when violence was perpetrated against its leaders and workers. "But Congressman were never far behind in achieving its goals of gaining India's independence and serving the country, despite taking lathis, going to jail and making great sacrifices," she said, adding that the old party had helped lay solid foundations “Today, the situation is the same as it was before independence. Human rights are being violated, dictatorship is everywhere, institutions of democracy and the constitution are being abolished. Unemployment is at its peak, farms and fields are being invaded and black rules are imposed on the country’s ‘annadata’ (food supplier). In such cases, it is our duty to save the country from such dictatorship and to fight it. This is a real patriotism, ”said Gandhi

While Congress on Monday celebrated the day at its headquarters in Delhi, the former chief was not present to attend the ceremony. Leader A K Antony unveiled the flag at AICC headquarters in front of senior leaders such as Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma and the party's General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Speaking to reporters, Priyanka Gandhi said the government should "listen to the voice of the farmers and restore the rules" and should not paint the noise as a "political conspiracy". “It is a sin to use the kind of language and words that they use for farmers. The government is accountable to farmers. The government must listen to them and restore the rules, ”Priyanka said.

On the occasion, the All India Congress Committee urged members to organize the 'Tiranga Yatra' and other "new campaigns" while following all Covid-19 principles.

While Sonia Gandhi avoids attending public events due to health problems, Rahul Gandhi had to miss the event as per his personal visit abroad. Rahul Gandhi tweeted on the event by highlighting his party's promises of "truth and equality" and said "Congress has been committed from the beginning to raise the voice of the nation".

Rahul Gandhi's absence from the event is being attacked by BJP. Madhya Pradesh Prime Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan questioned Gandhi's disappearance at an important party event.Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal has accused the BJP of "engaging in low-level politics" and beating Rahul Gandhi "because they want to nominate only one leader". “Rahul Gandhi has gone to see his grandmother. Is it wrong? Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each State" he further added.