Politics – Kharge Pays Tribute to Gokhale, Targets Centre Over Crime Data
Politics – Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday remembered noted freedom fighter and reformer Gopal Krishna Gokhale on the occasion of his 160th birth anniversary, while also criticising the Union government over rising crime figures and public safety concerns.
Kharge Remembers Gokhale’s Contribution to Nation Building
In a message shared on social media platform X, Kharge described Gopal Krishna Gokhale as one of the leading figures behind India’s national movement and praised his role in shaping democratic and constitutional values in the country.
The Congress chief referred to comments made by Mahatma Gandhi in his autobiography, where Gandhi had spoken highly of Gokhale’s personality and leadership. Kharge recalled that Gandhi had described his mentor as “pure as crystal, gentle as a lamb, brave as a lion,” while also calling him one of the finest personalities in public life.
According to Kharge, Gokhale’s principles of constitutional democracy, public service and inclusive nation-building continue to influence generations even today. He also acknowledged Gokhale’s contribution as a former president of the Indian National Congress.
Role of Gopal Krishna Gokhale in India’s Freedom Struggle
Born on May 9, 1866, Gopal Krishna Gokhale emerged as one of the most respected moderate leaders during the Indian freedom movement. He founded the Servants of India Society and strongly advocated social reform, education and self-governance through constitutional methods.
Gokhale believed in achieving political progress through dialogue, legislative reforms and institutional participation rather than confrontation. His approach played a major role in shaping early nationalist politics in India.
He is also remembered for mentoring Mahatma Gandhi during the latter’s early political years. In 1912, Gokhale travelled to South Africa after receiving an invitation from Gandhi. During the visit, he discussed the social and political realities of India and advised Gandhi on issues affecting ordinary citizens.
Gandhi later acknowledged Gokhale as one of his most influential guides. Historians often note that Gokhale’s teachings left a lasting impact on Gandhi’s political thinking before he became the central figure of India’s independence movement in the following decade.
Congress Chief Raises Questions on Law and Order
Apart from paying tribute to Gokhale, Kharge also launched a political attack on the Narendra Modi-led government over law and order issues, citing recent National Crime Records Bureau statistics.
In another social media post, the Congress leader alleged that the government’s claims regarding women’s safety and public security had failed to match the reality reflected in official crime figures.
Referring to NCRB data, Kharge claimed that crimes against women have increased significantly since 2013. He also pointed to a sharp rise in crimes involving children and cyber-related offences over the past several years.
The Congress president further alleged that incidents involving atrocities against Dalits and Adivasis had also seen an increase. According to him, these figures raise serious concerns about the country’s social and security conditions.
Suicide Data Also Mentioned in Criticism
Kharge additionally highlighted reported suicide figures mentioned in NCRB records. He stated that thousands of farmers, students and daily wage labourers lost their lives to suicide during 2024.
According to the figures cited by him, more than 10,500 farmers, over 52,000 daily wage workers and nearly 14,500 students died by suicide during the year. He argued that these numbers reflect growing economic and social pressures faced by several sections of society.
The Centre has not officially responded to Kharge’s latest remarks so far. However, debates surrounding public safety, economic distress and social welfare are expected to remain major political issues in the coming months.