Shimla: Congress on July 9 came down heavily on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Sangh Parivar for their "evil and cynical" attempts to "distort and destroy" the liberal and tolerant essence of Hinduism and declared its "unwavering commitment" to fight religious fundamentalism of all kind.

Outlining its political challenges in a 14-point pledge adopted at the three-day brainstorming session of the party in Shimla, the party said it would ensure that the essence of all great religions and faiths that have flourished for millennia in the country were protected and respected.

Congress reiterated its "resolve to combat it in as determined a manner as possible the evil and cynical attempts being made by BJP, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal to distort and destroy the liberal and tolerant essence of Hinduism."

Asserting that the party was "fully prepared and ready to face" the national elections any time, the declaration said, "No sacrifice should be too great for each and every Congressman and woman to ensure defeat of the BJP and its allies in the forthcoming elections."

It said the party would launch a 'jan jagran campaign' across the country to expose the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government's "comprehensive and glaring failures" on security, defence, communal harmony, economic growth, social welfare, good governance, foreign policy and probity and transparency in public life.

PTI