Congress leader Shashi Tharoor called on his party to be clear in its ideological stance in favour of an inclusive India and to take a stronger stance on issues such as cow vigilantism and attacks on minority communities. He argued that failing to speak up in defence of India's diversity and pluralism would constitute a surrender of the party's core responsibility. Speaking at the party's 85th plenary session, Tharoor emphasised the need for the Congress to stand up for its foundational principles and not downplay certain positions for fear of alienating voters. TRENDING STORIES See All Premium Complete list of bank holidays in March 2023: Plan your . . . Premium Will Nagaland script history and elect its 1st women ML . . . Premium Cong to reserve 50% of all party positions for women, y . . . Premium How smartphones are killing romance in relationship "We could have been more vocal on the Bilkis Bano outrage, attacks on Christian churches, murder in the name of cow vigilantism, bulldozer demolition of Muslim homes and similar issues," he said. These are Indian citizens who look to the party for support, Tharoor added. The release of all 11 convicts who had been sentenced to life imprisonment for their involvement in the 2002 post-Godhra Bilkis Bano gang rape case caused outrage from various sections, including the Congress, when they were allowed to walk out of the Godhra sub-jail in August 2022 under the Gujarat government's remission policy. Also Read: Shashi Tharoor takes dig at Centre over Adani row Tharoor stressed the importance of strengthening the country's secular foundations, arguing that "India's future is bright as long as the Congress fights the good fight". He praised the party's recent Bharat Jodo Yatra, which he said had revived the confidence of Congress supporters. Tharoor also addressed the party's economic resolution, calling for a progressive economic agenda that addresses the challenge of unacceptable economic inequality. He emphasised the need to ensure that the fruits of economic growth reach the poor and marginalised. MORE FROM THIS SECTION See All Premium Premium Will Nagaland script history and elect its 1st women ML . . . Premium Premium Cong to reserve 50% of all party positions for women, y . . . Premium Premium Things you can learn from Warren Buffett’s mistakes Premium Premium Crypto needs an ‘international framework’: RBI Governor . . . Also Read: Shashi Tharoor hits back after facing 'fierce' flak over his Musharraf remark On foreign affairs, Tharoor criticised the Modi government for undermining the tradition of national consensus on policy. He expressed concern about the deteriorating situation on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and accused the government of failing to take the nation into confidence on vital foreign policy issues. Tharoor argued that foreign policy must return to being a consensual national endeavour with bipartisan support. In its resolution on foreign affairs, the Congress expressed concern about the situation on the LAC and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of failing to stand up for India's security and territorial sovereignty. The party called for all measures to be taken to defend India's territorial integrity and reaffirmed the guiding principles of the 2005 India-China agreement on the boundary issue. The Congress also called for a strong reaffirmation of India's commitment to peace through strength and negotiation. In its political resolution, the Congress accused the BJP government of neglecting India's vulnerability and increasing tension on the LAC. The party contrasted this with its own approach to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, which it established in 1962 and gave a statutory basis in 1992. The Congress argued that its approach to the ITBP reflected its commitment to peace through both strength and negotiation. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sounak Mukhopadhyay Sounak Mukhopadhyay, who also goes by the name Sounak Mukherjee, has been producing digital news since 2012. He's worked for the International Business Times, The Inquisitr, and Moneycontrol in the past. He's also contributed to Free Press Journal and TheRichest with feature articles. He covers news for a wide range of subjects including business, finance, economy, politics and social media. Before working with digital news publications, he worked as a freelance content writer. Read more from this author Catch all the Business News , Market News , Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates. More Less Topics Congress OPEN IN APP.