UP Congress In-Charge Rajendra Pal Gautam Rallies in Varanasi

VARANASI — The newly appointed Congress in-charge for Uttar Pradesh, Rajendra Pal Gautam, arrived in Varanasi to a warm reception by party workers, where he paid floral tributes at the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The visit marked a strong reinforcement of the party's ideological stance as it gears up for future electoral challenges in the state.

A Message of Inclusive Faith

Addressing the media during his visit, Gautam emphasized his commitment to pluralism while highlighting his personal identity.

"Muslims go to mosques, Hindus go to temples. I am a Buddhist, so I am visiting places associated with Lord Buddha and Dr. Ambedkar."

He further stated that the faith and beliefs of people belonging to every religion must be treated with equal dignity and respect.

Standard for Alliance: "Equal Participation and Respect"

When questioned about the potential blueprint for an alliance with the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party (SP) for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Gautam maintained a firm posture. Rather than playing a secondary role, he asserted the party's demand for a fair partnership.

• The Core Demand: Gautam explicitly noted that any future seat-sharing or electoral understanding must be predicated on "equal participation and equal respect".

• National vs. Regional Capacity: Pitching Congress as the primary bulwark against the ruling dispensation, he remarked, "Regional parties are not capable of doing so. Congress is the only party that cannot be bought or intimidated," adding that only a national force like Congress possesses the resilience required to save the democratic fabric of the country.