Zillar Barta Desk,Patna, Bihar: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a gathering in Patna on Sunday during a programme commemorating the 139th birth anniversary of Dr Shri Krishna Singh, Bihar’s first Chief Minister and a prominent leader of the Indian freedom movement. The event, held at Bapu Sabhagar, brought together senior Congress leaders, party workers and members of the public to remember Singh’s contribution to the freedom struggle, social reform and the development of modern Bihar.
Kharge attended the programme as the chief guest and used the occasion to reflect on Shri Krishna Singh’s political legacy, while also raising contemporary issues concerning democracy, electoral processes and social equality. The gathering was organised to highlight the historical contributions of the former Chief Minister and to bring his ideals to the attention of younger generations.
Dr Shri Krishna Singh, popularly known as ‘Shri Babu’ and ‘Bihar Kesari’, remains an important figure in Bihar’s political history. He played a significant role in the Indian independence movement and later became the first Chief Minister of Bihar after independence.
During his tenure, Singh focused on administrative development, industrialisation, education, agriculture and irrigation. He is also remembered for his role in the abolition of the zamindari system, a major land reform initiative intended to dismantle the traditional system of landlordism.
Congress leaders at the commemorative event highlighted Singh’s commitment to public service and social reform. They said his political legacy offered important lessons about inclusive development, equality and the responsibilities of public representatives.
The programme also recalled his efforts to challenge caste-based discrimination, including his role in advancing access for Dalit communities to the Baidyanath Dham temple in Deoghar. His initiatives in this area have been cited by Congress leaders as an important part of his contribution to social equality.
During his address, Kharge launched a sharp criticism of the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), accusing them of undermining constitutional values. He also demanded changes to the electoral process, including the use of ballot papers for elections and an immediate halt to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The Congress president alleged that electoral irregularities had affected recent Assembly elections in several states. These allegations formed part of the Congress party’s wider campaign demanding greater transparency in elections and a review of the voter-list revision process.
Kharge called on people in Bihar to support the party’s campaign against the SIR exercise, describing the issue as part of a broader struggle to protect democratic rights. His remarks reflected the opposition party’s position on electoral reforms, while the allegations against political opponents remain contested.
Kharge also criticised the ideological positions of the BJP and RSS, arguing that constitutional principles, social harmony and equality must remain central to the country's democratic system.
He invoked the example of Shri Krishna Singh to underline the importance of social reform and the struggle against untouchability. According to Kharge, the former Chief Minister’s legacy demonstrated the importance of addressing discrimination and ensuring that disadvantaged communities could participate more fully in public life.
The Congress chief also questioned Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s political alliance with the BJP, arguing that it was inconsistent with the principles associated with Shri Krishna Singh’s legacy.
These remarks formed a significant part of Kharge’s political address, which combined a tribute to a historic Congress leader with criticism of the current political establishment.
The birth anniversary programme was organised under the leadership of senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh, with the participation of Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee president Rajesh Ram and other party leaders.
Ahead of the event, Congress leaders had said the programme was intended to highlight Shri Krishna Singh’s contributions to Bihar’s political, social and economic development. They also emphasised the importance of familiarising younger generations with his role in the independence movement and his efforts to advance social equality.
The organisers described the event as an opportunity to renew public discussion around the former Chief Minister’s ideals, including social justice, inclusive development and the strengthening of democratic institutions.
The commemoration also provided a platform for Congress leaders to discuss the party’s political priorities in Bihar and its efforts to strengthen its organisational presence in the state.
The gathering also witnessed a brief disruption during Kharge’s speech when a remark from the audience about Prime Minister Narendra Modi prompted a sharp response from the Congress president. The exchange attracted attention because of the language used and added to the political intensity of the event.
Kharge also questioned statements made by BJP leaders about the Congress party’s future political prospects. He argued that electoral procedures and the role of electronic voting machines should be examined as part of the wider debate over democratic accountability.
His comments drew attention to the increasingly contentious debate between the Congress and BJP over elections, electoral administration and political accountability.
The 139th birth anniversary of Dr Shri Krishna Singh brought together two central themes: remembering a leader associated with Bihar’s development and addressing current questions about democracy and social justice.
For the Congress, the event served as an occasion to celebrate the legacy of one of its most prominent historical figures in Bihar while presenting the party’s views on contemporary political issues.
Kharge’s address placed particular emphasis on the importance of constitutional principles, electoral transparency and equality. At the same time, the programme recalled Shri Krishna Singh’s contribution to the formation and development of modern Bihar, including land reforms, industrial growth and efforts to challenge social discrimination.
The gathering in Patna concluded as both a commemorative occasion and a platform for political discussion, reflecting the continuing relevance of Bihar’s historical leaders in contemporary public debate.
