Divisive forces are causing havoc, says Congress leader Sonia Gandhi

Congress president Sonia Gandhi has said the "divisive ideology" anchored in hate and prejudice is causing havoc on the secular fabric of society, rewriting history and undermining the finest traditions of India's Parliamentary democracy. She said the Congress, which has a tradition of facing many challenges, will fight these "destructive forces".

"Divisive ideologies anchored in hate and prejudice and which had no role whatsoever to play in our freedom movement, are now causing havoc on the secular fabric of our society. They are rewriting history to give themselves a role they do not deserve. They inflame passions, instil fear and spread animosity. The finest traditions of our parliamentary democracy are being deliberately damaged," Gandhi said in a video message on the occasion of the 137th foundation day of the Indian National Congress on Tuesday. Gandhi said the Congress party will take on these divisive forces. "The Indian National Congress will fight these destructive forces with all the might at its command. Let there be no doubt on our steadfast resolve.."

Referring to the manner in which the Congress party had confronted past challenges, she added: "136 years ago today, the Indian National Congress was founded and established. Over the decades, it has confronted several challenges and it has always demonstrated its resilience. Today, we rededicate ourselves to the ideals, values and principles of our organisation that have been shaped, guided and inspired by some of the greatest, noblest and most selfless of Indians of the 20th century."