Ousting BJP is fitting tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, says Kharge at CWC meet; warns of ‘traps’ by saffron party

The party’s goal must be to defeat the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he said on the second day of the meeting of the party’s highest decision-making body, adding that all should work diligently towards forming an alternative government.

Senior party leader and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi asked the leaders to focus on people’s issues while maintaining clarity in the party’s ideology. He warned his party colleagues against “walking into the BJP’s trap”.

In a resolute declaration, the CWC exuded unwavering confidence in the party’s readiness for the impending Assembly elections in five states.

Moreover, it reasserted the robustness of its organisational structure in anticipation of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, firmly believing that the people were seeking a transformative shift.

This assertion was encapsulated in a resolution passed at the meeting.

This meeting of the Extended Congress Working Committee concludes by expressing its confidence that the Indian National Congress will receive a decisive mandate from the people of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana in the assembly elections that will… pic.twitter.com/nIBnuO5z9O

— Congress (@INCIndia) September 17, 2023

Also read: Congress leaders call for cautious approach on Sanatana Dharma row

Confident of winning Assembly polls

The party exuded confidence in winning a resounding favourable mandate in the upcoming elections to the Assemblies in Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Mizoram.

“This meeting of the Extended Congress Working Committee concludes by expressing its confidence that the Indian National Congress will receive a decisive mandate from the people of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan, and Telangana in the Assembly elections that will be held shortly,” the resolution passed at the meeting said.

The CWC felt the party was fully armed and prepared for the forthcoming poll battle. “We will fulfil their (the people’s) expectations of law and order, freedom, social and economic justice, equality, and equity,” the resolution further read.

The commitment underscored the party’s dedication to the values of justice and fairness, it said.

“As the political landscape evolves, the Congress party stands ready to engage in the democratic process and pursue the aspirations of the people it aims to serve,” the resolution said.

Also read: Congress rejects One Nation, One Election move

Kharge’s vision

Kharge’s message emphasised the principles of unity, discipline, and a relentless commitment to defeat the BJP in the forthcoming state and Lok Sabha elections.

His rallying call centred on the need for the Congress to set aside personal differences and stand united against their adversaries. “It is of paramount importance to maintain organisational discipline and remain focused on core issues, rather than being swayed by political distractions,” he cautioned.

Sharing some excerpts from the remarks made during the Extended Congress Working Committee Meeting, today —

• We are all aware of the challenges that lie ahead. These challenges aren’t just those of the Congress Party; they concern the survival of Indian Democracy and the… pic.twitter.com/6vo7F6mN0q

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) September 17, 2023

Vehemently criticising the Narendra Modi-led Union government, Kharge accused the BJP of employing diversionary tactics and neglecting essential matters. “The party leaders must avoid falling into this trap and concentrate on addressing real concerns faced by the people,” he said.

Highlighting a development of concern, he pointed out how the Modi government had formed a committee to check the feasibility of implementing its ‘One Nation, One Election’ plan, even including a former president, Ramnath Kovind, to further its agenda. He called for a vigilant response, emphasising the need “to counter any false narratives with facts”.

“Five states are going to the polls in the next few months and the Lok Sabha elections are merely six months away. The party has to be prepared for potential Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir,” Kharge alerted the CWC members.

He stressed the importance of self-restraint among leaders, discouraging them from making statements against their colleagues or the party in the media, as it could harm the organisation’s interests.

The Congress president highlighted the significance of organisational unity and discipline, drawing lessons from the success achieved in Karnataka when the party remained united and fought the polls with discipline.

Also read: BJP fuelling internal conflicts, tarnishing India’s image, says Kharge

People first

Kharge expressed confidence in winning the elections to the five state Assemblies.

He lauded the achievements of Congress-led governments in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, where innovative models of social justice and welfare were introduced. “The party leaders have to propagate these successful welfare schemes throughout the nation,” he urged.

The CWC held deliberations about the cadre’s preparedness for the forthcoming Assembly elections. Former AICC president Sonia Gandhi participated in the discussion.

“The people are seeking an alternative. The Assembly poll results in Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka point to this desire. Personal interests should take a back seat, and the primary focus should be on the success of the party,” said Kharge.

Kharge’s speech concluded by presenting an unequivocal goal: Defeat the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and diligently work toward forming an alternative government.

He recognised that the challenges ahead extended beyond the Congress, and were threatening the survival of the Indian democracy and the Constitution.

Kharge underscored the need to protect the rights of SC/ST/OBCs, women, the poor, and minorities, He stressed that the struggle was not merely political but to safeguard the very foundations of the Indian democracy.

Also read: ‘Corrupt Working Committee’ posters come up in Hyderabad

On ideological clarity

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi urged party leaders to prioritise people’s concerns and maintain a clear ideological stance. He cautioned leaders against falling into the BJP’s strategic traps.

He encouraged party leaders to heed the voice of “Bharat Mata” (Mother India) by addressing the issues that resonate with the people.

Addressing a news conference on the second day of the CWC meeting, the party’s media and publicity department chief Pawan Khera said Gandhi spoke on Saturday.

Rahul’s message emphasised that the party’s political endeavours should be driven by the genuine needs of the nation and its citizens, transcending political distractions. He urged party members to translate the voice of ‘Bharat Mata’ into tangible issues and, when in government, into effective policies.

The call for ideological clarity and a focus on real issues comes at a time when controversy was brewing over DMK leader and Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s comments on Sanatana Dharma, which drew strong criticism from the BJP.

“He (Rahul) pointed out that the Congress is a movement with an organisational aspect. The movement propels the organisation, not the other way around, setting a fundamental distinction between the Congress and other political parties in India,” Khera added.

“The Bharat Jodo Yatra was a concerted effort to reconnect the party with its foundational principles. It not only rekindled the party’s connection with its roots but also demonstrated the way forward for the nation,” he further said.

“The essence of the Bharat Jodo Yatra is now being translated into tangible initiatives, as seen in Karnataka and upcoming in Telangana, reflecting the party’s commitment to its core principles,” Kehra added.

Also read: 1st meeting of committee on ‘One Nation, One Election’ on 23 Sept

On Sanatana Dharma row

Some Congress leaders on Saturday called for a cautious approach on the Sanatana Dharma row and stressed that the party should not get drawn into the BJP’s agenda.

Sources said some leaders, including Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijaya Singh, said at the CWC meeting that the party should stay away from such issues.