On I-Day, Kharge flags serious challenges to democracy, Constitution in last decade

In his Independence Day message, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said constitutional values faced serious challenges over the past decade. He urged equality, justice and opportunity for weaker sections as the nation marks 80 years of freedom.Marking India's 80th Independence Day, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said freedom was not only about ending British rule, but also about securing equality, dignity, justice and the freedom to speak without fear for every citizen. (Photo: X/@INC)Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday said India's constitutional values, democratic institutions and social harmony have faced "serious challenges" over the past 10 years, as he called for equality and justice for the economically weaker sections. In his Independence Day message, he said the country had made major progress, but many aspirations remained unmet.Marking India's 80th Independence Day, Kharge said freedom was not only about ending British rule, but also about securing equality, dignity, justice and the freedom to speak without fear for every citizen. He said these values, promised by the Constitution, remain the foundation of India's democracy.In a message posted on X, Kharge said, "Warm greetings to all my fellow citizens on Independence Day. We pay our humble tribute to the countless freedom fighters who gave their all in the struggle for India's freedom. Their courage, sacrifice and unwavering faith in our nation continue to inspire us."He said India's journey over the past 79 years had been one of "remarkable achievements, struggles and collective resolve", but added, "We have travelled a long way, but as a nation, many aspirations still remain unfulfilled." Kharge said, "For us, freedom was never merely liberation from British rule. It is the assurance bestowed upon every Indian by our Constitution -- of equality, dignity, justice and the freedom to speak without fear." He added that these values remain the greatest strength of India's democracy and the strongest safeguard for every citizen.He also said, "Over the past decade, our Constitutional values, democratic institutions and social harmony have faced serious challenges." Calling for greater equity, he said, "Our youth deserve opportunities to fulfil their aspirations. Our farmers deserve dignity and justice for their toil. Our women deserve equality, empowerment and an equal voice in shaping India's future. Dalits, Adivasis, OBCs, minorities and economically weaker sections must receive the full measure of equality and justice promised by our Constitution."Kharge ended his message by saying, "On this Independence Day, the country's greatest resolve must be hope," summing up his call to uphold constitutional values and deliver justice and opportunity to all sections of society.- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Aug 15, 2026 07:47 IST