Rahul Gandhi Advocates for Congress Revival in Gujarat Amidst Waning Support

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Rahul Gandhi Advocates for Congress Revival in Gujarat Amidst Waning Support

Synopsis

Rahul Gandhi's two-day visit to Gujarat aims to revitalize Congress ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, focusing on grassroots engagement and organizational reforms amid declining support.

Key Takeaways

  • Rahul Gandhi emphasizes grassroots engagement.
  • Congress acknowledges need for organizational reforms.
  • The party's seat count has dropped from 17 to 12.
  • Discussions with local leaders on public issues.
  • Focus on reconnecting with voters and addressing electoral setbacks.

Ahmedabad, March 8 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has commenced a two-day visit to Gujarat aimed at rejuvenating the Congress presence as the 2027 Assembly elections approach.

His arrival follows a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting held in Karnataka's Belagavi, where the internal restructuring of the party was a primary focus.

During his discussions, Rahul Gandhi addressed the party's declining vote share in the state, highlighting the importance of enhanced grassroots involvement.

The President of Gujarat Congress, Shaktisinh Gohil, recognized the need for organizational reforms and announced the formation of a committee to evaluate potential changes.

"The party will implement necessary measures to fortify its structure and re-establish connections with voters," he remarked.

For decades, Congress has encountered difficulties in Gujarat, struggling to achieve significant electoral progress.

In the 2022 Assembly elections, the party secured merely 17 seats, a figure that has since diminished to 12 following the resignation of several MLAs.

With over two years remaining until the next state elections, Rahul Gandhi's visit signifies an early initiative to restore the party's foundations and reclaim its position in Gujarat's political arena.

A crucial aspect of Rahul Gandhi's visit involved engaging with Congress leaders from various tiers, including former state presidents, opposition figures, and heads of frontal organizations.

The primary aim was to comprehend the reasons behind the party's electoral failures and to formulate strategies for a comeback.

Congress leader Pragati Ahir emphasized Rahul Gandhi's call for movement-driven initiatives to tackle public issues, urging office-bearers to take on greater accountability.

The Samvad Programme, a significant element of his visit, convened over 400 taluka and municipal leaders to deliberate on urgent matters such as unemployment, inflation, women's safety, and agricultural distress.

Additionally, Rahul Gandhi inquired with party leaders about Congress' disconnect with upper caste voters and the lack of visible public dissent, despite the economic challenges facing Gujarat's industrial sectors.

He observed that the rise of third-party challengers has frequently divided the Congress votebank, while the BJP has sustained a consistent support base.