NEW DELHI — August 15, 2026
Kharge Independence Day message paid tribute to India’s freedom fighters while urging citizens to defend the constitutional values of equality, dignity, justice and freedom of expression.
India celebrated its 80th Independence Day on Saturday, marking 79 years since the country gained freedom from British rule on August 15, 1947. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were among the political leaders who extended greetings to citizens on the national occasion.
In a message posted on X, Kharge described India’s journey since independence as one shaped by major achievements, difficult struggles and enduring national resolve.
“Heartfelt greetings to all citizens on Independence Day,” Kharge wrote. “We offer our humble tribute to the countless freedom fighters who sacrificed everything during the national movement.”
He said India had accomplished a great deal during the past 79 years but still had considerable work ahead as a nation.
Freedom Goes Beyond the End of Colonial Rule, Kharge Says
Kharge said independence should not be understood solely as liberation from British rule. He described freedom as the assurance provided by the Constitution to every Indian, regardless of identity or background.
For citizens, he said, that assurance includes equality, dignity, justice and the right to express their views freely.
According to the Congress president, these constitutional guarantees represent the greatest strength of Indian democracy and serve as a vital safeguard for every citizen.
Kharge also used his Independence Day statement to raise concerns about the condition of democratic institutions, constitutional values and social harmony. These observations represented his political assessment and were not presented as independently established findings.
He claimed that the country’s constitutional principles and institutions had faced several challenges over the past decade.
Kharge Calls for Opportunities and Equal Rights
The Congress president said India’s young people need meaningful opportunities to fulfill their aspirations, while farmers deserve justice and recognition for their work.
He also called for equal rights and greater participation for women in the country’s social, political and economic development.
Kharge said Dalits, Adivasis, Other Backward Classes, minorities and economically disadvantaged communities must receive the full protection of equality and justice guaranteed under the Constitution.
His statement placed social inclusion and constitutional rights at the heart of his Independence Day appeal.
Hope Should Define India’s National Resolve
Kharge described hope as the country’s most important commitment on Independence Day.
He said that hope could be found in the confident voices of young Indians, the hard work of farmers, the courage of women and the belief among millions of citizens that collective action could help the country overcome its challenges.
The Congress president urged people to protect a vision of freedom in which every voice is respected, every dream has an opportunity and every citizen has an equal right to move forward.
“Let us protect a freedom in which every voice receives respect, every dream receives an opportunity and every Indian receives an equal right to progress,” he said.
Sonia Gandhi Extends Independence Day Greetings
Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi also extended her wishes to the country.
“Heartfelt greetings to all citizens on Independence Day,” she wrote in a brief social media message.
Her statement joined a series of greetings issued by political leaders, public institutions and elected representatives as celebrations were held across the country.
Priyanka Gandhi Invokes Courage, Truth and Nonviolence
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra described Independence Day as a celebration of India’s collective courage and the victory of values such as truth and nonviolence.
She said the occasion marked the realization of the aspirations of millions of Indians and celebrated a democratic commitment that guarantees equality, justice, unity and freedom of expression.
Priyanka Gandhi called on citizens to pledge that they would protect India’s independence, Constitution and constitutional principles under all circumstances.
“Let us collectively pledge to protect our freedom, our Constitution and its principles,” she wrote, concluding her message with “Jai Hind” and “Jai Bharat.”
Congress Leaders Place Constitution at Center of Independence Day Messages
The Independence Day statements from Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi focused on honoring the sacrifices of the freedom movement while emphasizing citizens’ constitutional rights.
Kharge’s message combined a tribute to freedom fighters with calls for opportunity, social justice and institutional protection. Priyanka Gandhi highlighted courage, equality and freedom of expression, while Sonia Gandhi offered her greetings to the nation.
Together, their messages framed Independence Day as both a celebration of India’s freedom and an occasion to renew the country’s commitment to constitutional democracy.
