Modasa: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday reaffirmed his commitment to reviving the Congress party in Gujarat, stating that only Congress has the capability to challenge and defeat the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Speaking at the Congress district workers’ convention in Modasa, during his two-day visit to Gujarat starting 15 April, Gandhi acknowledged the party’s current challenges in the state but expressed confidence in overcoming them. “We seem demoralised in Gujarat, but we will defeat them (BJP) in the state,” Gandhi remarked, adding that the party’s transformation would begin from Gujarat.
As part of efforts to address internal issues, Gandhi revealed that the Congress would introduce new leadership in Gujarat. He emphasized that the revamping of the party had been an ongoing discussion for several months, with conversations involving senior leaders and party chief Mallikarjun Kharge.
“This ongoing fight is not just political, it is also ideological. And people know that only the Congress party can defeat the RSS and the BJP,” he said, stressing the ideological battle the party is engaged in.
During the meeting with district leaders, Gandhi also acknowledged the need for internal reforms within the party. He pointed out the destructive competition among leaders and the exclusion of local leaders in ticket distribution as major concerns raised during the discussions. Gandhi highlighted the importance of inclusivity and the need for changes to strengthen the party’s structure and function.
“We have decided that some changes need to be brought in the Congress party. I met with senior leaders from the districts, and we had a very good discussion. They told me that competition among leaders is destructive, and not productive. They also mentioned that local leaders are not included in the ticket distribution process,” Gandhi added.
