Ahmedabad: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Parliament, Rahul Gandhi will embark on a two-day visit to Gujarat on March 7-8, aiming to strengthen the party’s presence in the state ahead of future elections. His visit includes a series of strategic meetings with senior Congress leaders and party workers, with a focus on reviving the party’s organizational structure and preparing for the upcoming Congress convention in April.
Grand Welcome & Stay at Hyatt Hotel
Rahul Gandhi will receive a grand welcome at the Ahmedabad airport before proceeding to the Hyatt Hotel on Ashram Road, where he will be staying. His official engagements will run from 10 AM to 7 PM, following which he may make an unscheduled visit to an undisclosed location in Ahmedabad.
Strategic Meetings to Strengthen Congress
Throughout the day, Rahul Gandhi will participate in four crucial meetings at Congress Bhavan, each targeting different levels of party leadership:
Regional Leaders Meeting: The first meeting will be held in the conference hall with regional leaders, including former opposition leaders and presidents.
Political Affairs Committee Meeting: Over 25 senior members will participate in discussions on key party strategies.
District & City Presidents Meeting: More than 50 district and city presidents will share their insights.
Taluka & Municipality Presidents Meeting: Around 300 taluka and municipality presidents will engage in discussions.
After 5 PM, Rahul Gandhi will conduct one-on-one meetings with key office bearers and individuals to further assess the party’s position in Gujarat.
Direct Engagement with Congress Workers
A major focus of Rahul Gandhi’s visit is to engage directly with grassroots Congress workers. The leader will discuss party challenges, take feedback, and identify necessary reforms. His effort to connect with taluka and ward leaders is seen as a significant move to rejuvenate the party from the ground up.
Congress Convention in Gujarat After 64 Years
One of the key highlights of this visit is the groundwork for the upcoming Congress convention in Gujarat on April 8-9—the first in 64 years. The last Congress convention in the state was held in Bhavnagar in 1961. Coincidentally, Shaktisinh Gohil, the current Gujarat Congress President, hails from Bhavnagar.
AICC representatives from across India will attend the convention, where discussions will focus on alleged attacks on constitutional values and the BJP’s policies. Congress is also expected to outline its strategy for Mission 2027, aimed at reclaiming its position in Gujarat, where it has faced setbacks in multiple elections.
Congress Leadership & Strategy Discussions
The convention will kick off with an expanded Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on April 8, followed by an AICC representatives’ meeting on April 9. The sessions will be chaired by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, with the presence of Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled states.
This session follows the resolution passed at the Belagavi CWC meeting (New Satyagraha meeting), which marked the 100th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi assuming the Congress presidency in 1924.
Rahul Gandhi’s Challenge to BJP in Gujarat
During his previous visit in July 2024, Rahul Gandhi challenged the BJP, asserting that Congress would defeat the ruling party in Gujarat, similar to its performance in Ayodhya. With increasing visits from top Congress leaders, the party is determined to break BJP’s stronghold in Gujarat.
Congress leaders recall Rahul Gandhi’s statement in Parliament last year, where he declared, “Write it down, this time we will defeat BJP in Gujarat.” This aligns with the Indi Alliance’s strategy to challenge BJP’s dominance in the state.
Gujarat’s Political Significance
As the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, Gujarat holds immense political significance. Congress recognizes that reclaiming Gujarat is crucial for its national resurgence. With the state’s electoral history showing consecutive Congress defeats since 1995, the party is now focused on a revival strategy that will shape its approach in the upcoming elections.
