The new Congress president, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Wednesday appealed to all those who are committed to democratic and constitutional values to join hands with the party as the battle now is not merely political but one for safeguarding the future.

Setting the tone for a fierce ideological fight, Kharge said the RSS-BJP wants a “Congress-mukt Bharat” because replacing Ambedkar’s Constitution with the Sangh’s agenda would not be possible without that.

Kharge said the Congress would never allow the RSS-BJP to achieve its objectives, contending that the New India they have unveiled scarcely reflects the constitutional spirit of equality and justice.

Addressing the party after formally taking over as president, Kharge said: “Kisne socha hoga ki desh mein kabhi aisi rajneeti ka daur bhi aayega jisme jhooth ka bolbaala hoga aur satta mein baithe huqmaran hi loktantra ko kamzor karne mein jute honge. Lekin main ye bhi jaanta hoon ki jhooth, fareb aur nafrat ka ye tantra hum tod kar rahenge (Who would have thought that the country will ever pass through such a political phase in which lies will reign supreme and those in power will set about weakening democracy. But I also know that we will succeed in smashing this system of lies, deceit and hate.)”

Kharge appears as aggressive and blunt as Rahul Gandhi at a time when most senior leaders avoid a direct attack on the RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He pulled no punches, declaring: “In today’s New India, lies are presented as the truth and truth is dismissed as a lie. Godse is portrayed as a patriot today and Mahatma Gandhi is called a traitor. The Constitution prepared by Babasaheb Ambedkar is sought to be replaced by the Sangh’s constitution.”

Kharge continued: “What kind of New India is this where the youth don’t get jobs, where farmers are crushed under the wheel, where atrocities against women are rising, where tormentors of women are honoured? What kind of New India is this where people are crying over high prices, where the government is selling public sector units, airports, ports, roads, railways, banks to crony capitalists? Where the government is sleeping but the ED, CBI, income tax are working round the clock to harass political opponents?”

Thanking the party for electing an ordinary worker as president, he recalled the contributions of Sonia Gandhi who on Wednesday expressed “relief” after handing over charge to Kharge.

Kharge said: “Sonia Gandhi always traversed the path of truth. In this era when leaders are in politics only for power, there is no other example of sacrifice to match Sonia’s career.”

He pledged to implement the Udaipur declaration in letter and spirit and described the Bharat Jodo Yatra as the perfect remedy for the disconnect of the party with the people.

Acknowledging that a section of voters had got angry with the Congress despite the party’s excellent work and welfare agenda, Kharge said: “I express my gratitude to Rahul Gandhi who rightly analysed the nature of the crisis and launched the Bharat Jodo Yatra to communicate with the masses directly, sharing their pains and understanding their problems. Millions of people are participating in the Yatra and this is a big achievement. This has created a new energy and hope in the country and it is my responsibility as Congress president to not let this energy go waste. I appeal to all of you to support me in this endeavour.”

Pointing out that Rahul had sharpened the party’s ideological focus, Kharge said: “We know there are crores of youth in the country who aspire to see India beyond the divide of religion, caste and gender; who want peace, jobs, development, scientific temper and democratic freedom. I want to call upon my Congress family to come together to carry the message of the Bharat Jodo Yatra to every nook and corner of the country — the message of economic equality, safeguarding constitutional values, communal harmony, more employment opportunities to the youth of India.”

Sonia hailed the new president, hoping that his experience, hard work and dedication will strengthen the Congress. She said she was indebted to the party for showing affection and trust in her for such a long time.

The party unanimously adopted a resolution thanking Sonia for steering the party in these difficult times, underscoring that the value of her leadership for 25 years cannot be captured in words.

The resolution noted that Sonia had demonstrated unique wisdom and flexibility to bring different parties on a single platform, resolved complex political issues with foresight and conducted herself in public life with amazing grace and discipline.

Her commitment to public welfare that resulted in rights-based legislation, her ability to evolve consensus and the sacrifices she made were highlighted in the resolution.