Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal addresses party workers in Mumbai on Monday. PIC BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Harshwardhan Sapkal urged his party workers to take a pledge to ensure that the Tricolour reaches every home across the state, while warning against attempts by certain caste-based and communal forces to "politicise the colours of the national flag".
Speaking at the 77th Republic Day celebrations at the Congress headquarters, Tilak Bhavan, in Mumbai, Sapkal said, "The Tricolour is the pride, identity, and honour of our nation. Many sacrificed their lives for it. Yet, some forces are attempting to manipulate the green and saffron for selfish political gains, disturbing social harmony. Congress workers and constitutionalists must ensure that the Tricolour reaches every home in Maharashtra and across India."
The celebrations at Tilak Bhavan included a ceremonial flag hoisting by Sapkal, attended by Seva Dal state president Vilas Autade, All-India Congress Committee (AICC) Secretary Prafull Gudde Patil, state vice-president Rajesh Sharma, state general secretary Jojo Thomas, Zishan Ahmed, Shruti Mhatre, and other Seva Dal office-bearers.
Sapkal extended Republic Day 2026 greetings to all and reflected on Congress's historical role in India's Independence and nation-building. He criticised the ongoing politics driven by caste and religion, and said, "Today, some forces seek to politicise the green and saffron colours. Green represents prosperity and saffron symbolises sacrifice and honour. The Tricolour embodies a vision, a dream - a vision we are still ready to lay down our lives for."
He also made serious allegations against political rivals, claiming, "The Bharatiya Janata Party and AIMIM are two sides of the same coin, with links dating back to pre-independence times. Misuse of power, like the drugs case in Satara, shows the true influence lies with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis."
On the awarding of Padma Bhushan to Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Sapkal said, "He has insulted constitutional positions and disrespected the Constitution, along with icons like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Chhatrapati Shahu, and Jyotirao Phule. I refused to accept a social award because it was to be presented by him."
Sapkal also questioned the claims of investment from the Davos Summit, urging transparency on the promised Rs 16 lakh crore investments, while emphasising that the state must ensure accountability.
