New Delhi : The Gandhis, Shashi Tharoor, chief ministers of Congress-ruled states and other senior leaders were in attendance as the highest decision-making body of the party met on Saturday to chalk out the electoral strategy for next year. Sources said the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, the first after the Bihar election debacle, would focus on mobilising public support against the “anti-people” G RAM G law and take the campaign to the grassroots.
The opposition party is expected to finalise a nationwide agitational plan against the government over the G RAM G law. However, previous instances have shown that the Congress has failed to sustain its momentum on issues raised by it — from GST reforms to Rafale. While the MGNREGA, enacted in 2005, provided 100 days of unskilled work annually to every rural household, the G RAM G law increases it to 125 days in a year. However, the funding of the new scheme has emerged as a major sticking point.
The CWC is also likely to deliberate on the National Herald case, in which Sonia and Rahul have been accused of money laundering. Last week, a trial court refused to take cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate’s money laundering complaint against the Gandhis. The agency has now approached the Delhi High Court, which has issued a notice to the Congress leaders. Another major issue on the agenda is the Centre’s move to redefine the Aravalli range, which has triggered massive outrage and led to protests in the capital by climate activists.
As per the new definition, which was recently accepted by the Supreme Court, only hills 100 meters above the local terrain will be considered as ‘Aravalli hills’. Party leaders are expected to discuss the government’s alleged double standards on environmental protection and the implications of the new definition. The meeting will explore a way forward to corner the government on the issue. With Siddaramaiah present, it also remains to be seen if the Karnataka leadership tussle is taken up. The Congress previously said it would formally announce a decision this month, but there have been no indications so far.
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