After 64 years, the Indian National Congress held its national convention in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. On the first day, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge reignited the debate over the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, accusing the BJP and RSS of promoting a false narrative of enmity between Patel and India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. 

Kharge stated that in reality, Nehru and Patel were like two sides of the same coin, not adversaries as the BJP-RSS projects.

Speaking at the national convention, Kharge launched serious allegations against the BJP and RSS, claiming there is a planned conspiracy to undermine national heroes. He emphasised that these organisations had no role in the freedom struggle and are now distorting history. 

According to Kharge, the BJP and RSS have falsely portrayed Nehru and Patel as rivals, when in fact they deeply respected and complemented each other.

He asserted that both Nehru and Patel shared a close and respectful relationship. Despite differences, they worked together for the nation's unity. BJP and RSS, however, are spreading misleading stories that Patel was denied recognition by the Congress, while in truth, Patel’s ideology was fundamentally opposed to that of the RSS. In fact, Patel had even imposed a ban on the RSS.

BJP using Patel’s legacy to discredit Congress: Kharge

Kharge further stated that BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have organised various events to honour Sardar Patel, using these as tools to vilify the Congress. An image has been created that the Congress neglected Patel’s legacy, while BJP-RSS has nothing to show in terms of contributions to India’s freedom struggle.

He accused the BJP-RSS of taking control of institutions associated with Mahatma Gandhi, even though they are ideologically opposed to Gandhi’s principles. He cited examples such as the takeover of Sarva Seva Sangh in Varanasi and recent events at Gujarat Vidyapith. “They may steal Gandhi’s spectacles and staff, but can never follow his ideals,” Kharge said.

Sardar Patel opposed RSS ideology

At the CWC meeting in Ahmedabad, Kharge emphasised that Patel played a key role along with Gandhi in appointing Dr BR Ambedkar to the Constituent Assembly. 

He reminded that Ambedkar had acknowledged that without Congress’s support, the Constitution would not have been possible. At the time, the RSS criticised Gandhi, Nehru, Ambedkar, and the Constitution itself — even burning their effigies at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan.

He condemned a recent remark by the Home Minister Amit Shah mocking Ambedkar, suggesting people chanted his name more than God’s. Kharge reiterated that Congress respects both the Constitution and its creators, and knows how to protect their legacy.

RSS cannot claim Gandhi-Patel’s ideals

Kharge continued, “For years now, a conspiracy has been underway to malign national icons and Congress’s proud 140-year history of service and struggle. This is being done by those who have no achievements or contributions to India’s freedom struggle. They try to depict Patel and Nehru as enemies, but all records and statements prove otherwise.”

He cited an example from October 14, 1949, where Patel publicly appreciated Nehru’s efforts and sacrifices. Kharge said it is ironic that the RSS — whose ideology Patel opposed and on whom he imposed a ban — now tries to claim his legacy.

He concluded by saying, “Congress is the true custodian of Gandhi’s values. We carry Patel in our hearts and minds, and we are the ones continuing his legacy. The BJP-RSS may take over Gandhi’s institutions, but they can never walk his path. Gandhi’s ideals remain safe with the Congress.”

“In the 140-year journey of Congress, Gujarat has been the state that gave us the most strength. Today, we return here to draw inspiration once again. Our true power lies in national unity, integrity, and the ideology of social justice. To carry this forward, we must first strengthen ourselves and our organisation,” he added.

Kharge also said that more discussions and important ideas will emerge on the second day of the convention.