New Delhi: After assembly election 2022 debacle in five states, the Congress party’s top decision-making body met on Sunday and reposed faith in interim president Sonia Gandhi and her leadership.
Sonia Gandhi will continue to lead Congress till organisational polls are held after she expressed readiness to "make any and every sacrifice" in party's interest.
What’s the stance of CWC?
In a nearly five-hour meeting, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) showed full faith in Sonia’s leadership asking her to take immediate corrective changes to strengthen the party and meet the political challenges ahead of the next round of elections, according to the news agency PTI.
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On the change in the party leadership, Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said every Congress worker and leader wants Rahul Gandhi to lead the party. However, as the process of organisational polls is underway, the next president will be decided through it.
In her introductory remarks, Gandhi said is ready "to make any and every sacrifice as Congress workers and the CWC wish in the interest of the party".
Leaders felt the comments were seen by many as her readiness to even quit if required and felt necessary by the party leadership, as per the agency report.
While listening to everyone, Gandhi left the decision to the wisdom of members, including those of the G-23 who reposed full faith in her, leaders told PTI.
"Every single member of the CWC wants Sonia Gandhi to guide the party till organisational elections are held," Surjewala said, adding that the new Congress chief will be elected between August 21 and September 20.
While the CWC members also pointed out that the BJP-RSS attacked the Gandhi family only to weaken Congress. Former party chief Rahul Gandhi at the meet talked about ways to strengthen the organisation and win back the faith of the people.
"Congress represents the hopes of millions of Indians against political authoritarianism prevailing in the country today and the party is fully conscious of its immense responsibility," the CWC said.
The Congress will be fully prepared to face the electoral challenges in the election going states in 2022 and 2023 as well as in the Lok Sabha elections 2024, the CWC said.
The CWC also "unanimously" reaffirmed its faith in the leadership Sonia Gandhi and urged the Congress president to lead from the front, address the organisational weaknesses, effect necessary and comprehensive organisational changes in order to take on the political challenges.
Sonia Gandhi, who took over the leadership of the party again as interim president, had also offered to quit in August 2020 after strong criticism by a section of leaders, referred to as G-23, but the CWC had urged her to continue.
What’s the Congress plan going ahead?
A 'Chintan Shivir' (brainstorming session) will be held after the Budget Session of Parliament and the CWC will meet once again after the session ends on April 8. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot suggested that the 'Chintan Shivir be held in his state.
Held after the conclusion of Assembly polls, the brainstorming session of three-four days will focus on the future roadmap and strategy to address challenges, said leaders.
Calling for large-scale reforms in an attempt to revive the party's dwindling electoral fortunes, AICC general secretary KC Venugopal said the party president will immediately take corrective measures to revamp and re-strengthen the organisation.
(With PTI Inputs)