Congress holds state-level convention in Banga, calls for social and economic justice
Parmod Bharti
Nawanshahr (Punjab), October 25, 2026: The Dalit, OBC, Minorities and Adivasi Department of the Indian National Congress organised a state-level convention in Banga on Sunday, calling for the protection of constitutional rights, electoral safeguards and social and economic equality.
The convention brought together Congress leaders and delegates from across Punjab to discuss the concerns of disadvantaged communities, constitutional protections and the need for greater public awareness of legal and voting rights.
The event was led by senior Congress leader and Dr. Ambedkar Mission Punjab chairman Dr. Bakshish Singh Banga. It was dedicated to the contributions and ideologies of Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, Periyar E.V. Ramasamy and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution.
Udit Raj calls for protection of electoral rights
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, former Member of Parliament Dr. Udit Raj said the Congress, under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, was raising issues concerning Dalits, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), minorities and Adivasis.
He said the INDIA opposition alliance had raised allegations of electoral malpractice and vote manipulation, stressing the need to scrutinise such concerns and protect the integrity of the electoral process.
Dr. Udit Raj urged marginalised communities to remain informed about their constitutional rights and participate actively in democratic processes. He said social equality and economic justice were essential to ensuring meaningful representation and equal opportunities.
Banga raises concerns over electoral rolls
Dr. Bakshish Singh Banga stressed the need to educate poor people, Dalits, backward classes and minorities about their constitutional and legal rights.
He criticised the BJP-led Central Government and the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab, alleging that they had neglected the concerns of these communities. He called for greater community mobilisation to address issues affecting their rights and welfare.
Expressing concern over the alleged deletion of names from electoral rolls, Banga said any such deletions required attention because of their implications for voting rights. He emphasised the importance of public awareness and collective action in safeguarding constitutional protections.
Punjab issues figure in convention
Doma state president Kiranjit Singh Gehri, former MP Mohan Singh Phalianwala, and OBC Department state president and former MLA Angad Singh also addressed the gathering.
The speakers raised concerns about corruption, drug abuse and robbery incidents in Punjab, while criticising policies of the state and Central governments. They called for stronger efforts to address public safety concerns, protect fundamental rights and ensure social justice.
The speakers also emphasised cooperation among different social groups and stronger grassroots organisation to advance equality and improve access to opportunities for disadvantaged communities.
Prof. Baldev Singh Balli conducted the proceedings.
Among those present were Lajpat Rai, state general secretary of the SC Department; Angad Singh, identified in the organisers’ account as OBC Department state chairman; retired IAS and IPS officers; former IAS officer Gurpal Singh Bhatti; Congress block president Kulvaran Singh Thandian; and other party leaders and workers.
The convention concluded with a call for greater constitutional awareness, collective mobilisation and sustained efforts to advance social and economic justice.