Daijiworld Media Network – Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, Mar 8: Leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, arrived in Gujarat for a two-day visit, aiming to rejuvenate the Congress ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
His visit follows the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Belagavi, Karnataka, where internal restructuring was a prime agenda. Addressing party leaders, he underscored the need for stronger grassroots engagement amid Congress’ dwindling vote share in the state.
Gujarat Congress President Shaktisinh Gohil acknowledged the urgency of organisational reforms, stating that a committee had been formed to assess necessary changes. “The party will take decisive steps to strengthen its structure and reconnect with voters,” he affirmed.
Despite its longstanding presence, Congress has struggled to make a significant impact in Gujarat. The party, which won only 17 seats in the 2022 Assembly polls, saw its strength further diminish to 12 following MLA resignations. With over two years left for the next elections, Rahul’s visit signals an early effort to rebuild the party’s base.
A crucial aspect of his visit was interactions with former state presidents, opposition leaders, and heads of frontal organisations to analyse electoral setbacks and formulate revival strategies. Congress leader Pragati Ahir highlighted his emphasis on movement-based initiatives, urging office-bearers to take greater responsibility.
The Samvad programme, a key segment of the visit, brought together over 400 taluka and municipal leaders, addressing vital concerns like unemployment, inflation, women’s safety, and agricultural distress.
Rahul also raised concerns about Congress’ disconnect with upper-caste voters and the absence of strong public dissent despite economic challenges in Gujarat’s industrial sectors. He noted how the rise of third-party challengers had fragmented Congress' vote bank, while the BJP maintained its stronghold.
With a renewed focus on grassroots activism and structural reforms, Rahul Gandhi’s Gujarat visit sets the stage for Congress’ long road to political revival in the state.