Rahul Gandhi returned to Gujarat on Tuesday for his second visit in just six days, signaling a renewed focus on reviving the Indian National Congress in a state it hasn’t governed for nearly four decades.
At the party’s Ahmedabad headquarters, Gandhi met with 41 district and city Congress leaders, accompanied by party observers. A five-member committee was formed during this meeting, tasked with submitting a report to the Congress high command within 45 days. This report will guide the selection of new district presidents.
On Wednesday, Gandhi is set to formally launch the Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan—a grassroots restructuring initiative—in Modasa, Aravalli district. The campaign aims to empower district-level leadership and enforce internal accountability within the party.
VIDEO | Ahmedabad: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) attends Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) meeting. pic.twitter.com/hS0vu0xLoy
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 15, 2025
Also read: Rahul Gandhi Meets Key Congress Leaders in Gujarat, Outlines Party Restructuring Plans
In a recent party gathering, Gandhi underscored the importance of building the party from the ground up, positioning district presidents as key pillars of Congress’s organisational structure. He also noted the need to eliminate elements within the party who, he alleged, have ties to the BJP.
To carry this forward, Congress has deployed 42 central and 183 state-level observers across Gujarat’s 33 districts and 8 cities. These observers will form five-member panels, visit districts, engage with local leaders and cadres, and recommend candidates for district president roles. The pilot will conclude within 45 days and may expand to other states.
Gujarat Congress President Shaktisinh Gohil confirmed that Gandhi will address party workers in Modasa on Wednesday during the official rollout of the pilot.
This intensified effort follows Gandhi’s March visit, where he criticized internal rifts in the Gujarat Congress. He spoke of two types of leaders—those truly aligned with Congress’s values and those disconnected from the public, some allegedly inclined towards the BJP. Gandhi stressed that regaining the trust of Gujarat’s citizens requires removing the latter.
Also read: Rahul Gandhi Says Congress Leaders Working For BJP
He concluded by asserting that farmers, workers, and students in Gujarat are not seeking a mere alternative, but a credible and authentic counter to the BJP. He likened Congress leaders to lions being restrained, unable to unleash their full strength due to internal limitations.