‘Strengthen harmony in society, protect democratic values’: Kharge, Rahul Gandhi on New Year

NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday extended New Year greetings to citizens across the country, calling upon people to make 2026 a year of collective action to protect the Constitution, democratic values, and strengthen social harmony.

Kharge shared his message on X as the nation welcomed the New Year amid widespread celebrations. In his post, the Congress chief urged citizens to “turn this year (into) a mass movement” to safeguard the rights of the vulnerable.

“On this joyful New Year, I extend my warmest greetings to all of you. Let us make this year a mass movement to protect the rights of the vulnerable – the right to work, the right to vote, and the right to live with dignity. Together, let us safeguard our Constitution and democratic values, empower citizens, and strengthen harmony in society,” Kharge said.

Dear fellow citizens,

On this joyful New Year, I extend my warmest greetings to all of you.

Let us make this year a mass movement to protect the rights of the vulnerable – the right to work, the right to vote, and the right to live with dignity. Together, let us safeguard our… pic.twitter.com/nUlm5Pfg72

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) December 31, 2025

Highlighting key socio-economic priorities, Kharge said, “Employment for our youth, safety for women, prosperity for farmers, dignity for those on the margins, and a better quality of life for all, these must be our shared resolve. May the year ahead bring happiness, prosperity, and progress to every one of you.” He concluded his message with “Happy New Year” and signed off with “Jai Hind”.

Earlier, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also took to X to wish people a happy New Year 2026, expressing hope that the year would bring good health, happiness and success to everyone.

Taking to X, Rahul Gandhi said, “Heartfelt New Year greetings to all of you. May the new year bring abundant happiness, good health, and success into your life.” He further added, “Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year 2026.”

His post was accompanied by a photograph showing Gandhi posing with Gen Z, whom he had previously interacted with before the Bihar polls.

आप सभी को नववर्ष की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं। नया साल आपके जीवन में ढेर सारी खुशियां, अच्छा स्वास्थ्य और सफलताएं लेकर आए।

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year 2026! pic.twitter.com/DqJYctGyM6

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 31, 2025

His message came as celebrations marked the arrival of 2026 nationwide. Fireworks illuminated the night sky in several cities, including coastal, metropolitan and hill regions, as people gathered with family and friends to welcome the New Year. From the beaches and public squares to religious landmarks, the transition into 2026 was observed with enthusiasm.

Major urban centres witnessed large crowds at popular celebration spots, while hill destinations saw tourists welcoming the New Year amid cold weather and scenic landscapes. In many places, authorities deployed additional security and traffic arrangements to ensure safe and orderly celebrations.

While many in Mumbai welcomed the New Year at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, tourists and locals gathered at key locations in Delhi, such as India Gate and Connaught Place.

Religious sites also witnessed significant footfall as devotees chose to begin the New Year with prayers. Devotees in Amritsar gathered at Shri Harmandir Sahib to offer prayer while parish members attended special New Year services across Churches in Tamil Nadu.

Despite snow-clad landscapes in Jammu and Kashmir, tourists and locals burst firecrackers as they ushered inthe New Year. Political leaders across parties used social media platforms to convey greetings to citizens of the country.

Across India, the New Year 2026 was welcomed with fireworks, prayers and public gatherings. Cities, hill towns and religious centres witnessed celebrations as people marked the occasion with family and friends. (ANI)