Ahmedabad, March 8 – Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has called for a major internal shake-up in the party’s Gujarat unit, warning of strict action against those working in favor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Addressing party workers on the second day of his Gujarat visit, he emphasized the need to filter out leaders and workers who are disconnected from the people.
Congress Split in Two Camps?
Gandhi claimed that the Gujarat Congress consists of two types of people—one group that truly embodies the party’s ideology and fights for the people, and another that is “cut off from the public”, with many aligning with the BJP behind the scenes. He insisted that unless the party cleanses itself of the latter, Gujaratis will not trust the Congress.
“The first job should be to filter these two groups, even if it means taking strict action or removing people,” he said.
Reviving Congress in Gujarat
With the 2027 Assembly elections in focus, Gandhi promised a strong strategy to defeat the BJP. He pointed out that Congress has been out of power in Gujarat for over three decades and that its failure stems from not meeting the people’s expectations.
“Every time I visit Gujarat, we talk about elections. But the issue is not just elections; it’s about fulfilling our responsibilities first. Only then will the people support us,” he added.
Economic Concerns & Congress Vision
Highlighting economic distress in Gujarat, Gandhi said industries such as diamond, textiles, and ceramics are struggling, while farmers are desperate for a new vision. He criticized the BJP’s governance model, arguing that Congress can provide a better alternative but must first restructure itself.
“Gujarat wants to move forward, but Congress is failing to show the way,” he admitted, urging leaders to be more involved at the grassroots level.
Upcoming AICC Session & 2027 Strategy
Gandhi’s visit comes ahead of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) session in Ahmedabad on April 8-9, marking the party’s first major gathering in Gujarat in 64 years.
The Congress faced a historic low in the 2022 Gujarat elections, winning only 17 of 182 seats. The situation worsened as five MLAs later resigned, bringing the party’s Assembly strength down to 12.
Despite the setbacks, Gandhi remains optimistic, citing the success in Telangana, where Congress boosted its vote share by 22%. He believes a 5% increase in Gujarat could turn the tide in the party’s favor.
The Road Ahead
Gandhi’s message was clear—cleanse the party, reconnect with the people, and build a credible alternative. Whether this tough-love approach can revive Congress in Gujarat remains to be seen, but his visit has certainly set the stage for a major internal shake-up ahead of 2027.
