In a powerful address at the AICC session on the banks of the Sabarmati River, Gaurav Gogoi, the Deputy Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, urged the party to prioritise and promote "staunch Congress persons" who have remained loyal through challenging political tides. His call came as the party strategises for upcoming state assembly elections in a politically charged environment.

Loyalty as the Key to Electoral Success

During his speech, Gogoi highlighted that Congress' electoral future depends on recognising and empowering those who have stood by the party, even when offered threats or inducements to defect. He said:

"If we are to win the assembly elections in the coming time, then such staunch Congress persons should be brought forward."

He referenced Rahul Gandhi’s recent visit to Gujarat, where Gandhi had warned against those who have "one foot in Congress and the other in some other party". Gogoi reinforced this sentiment, saying that identifying and distancing from such elements was crucial for the party’s growth and coherence.

BJP vs Congress: Organisational Philosophies

Taking a clear dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party, Gogoi remarked:

“The BJP runs its organisation like a private limited company, while the Congress functions like a family.”

This contrast, he suggested, reflected a deeper ideological divide. According to Gogoi, the Congress must nurture its workers as a family, ensuring their inclusion, respect, and recognition for unwavering service. He urged state-level leadership to build stronger connections with party workers, treating them not just as assets but as members of a shared political journey.

AICC Session: Nyaypath and the Congress Vision

The current AICC session, themed "Nyaypath: Sankalp, Samarpan aur Sangharsh" (Path of Justice: Resolve, Dedication and Struggle), is being held in Ahmedabad. It has drawn participation from over 1,700 elected and co-opted AICC members, indicating strong internal engagement ahead of crucial electoral battles.

This comes a day after the Congress Working Committee (CWC) met to finalise the session’s resolutions. Key resolutions included a focus on reasserting ideological values, commitment to grassroots mobilisation, and rebuilding voter trust through consistent messaging and local empowerment.

Congress’ Assertion of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Legacy

Another significant part of the Congress’ message from Ahmedabad was a strong ideological claim over the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister. Gogoi and other leaders stressed that Patel was a stalwart Congress leader, and not merely a symbol to be used for political gain, as alleged of the BJP.

Congress stated its intention to follow Patel's values in its "ideological war" with the BJP and RSS. The party believes that reclaiming historical legacies will help counter BJP's nationalist narrative, which often places figures like Patel at the centre of its campaigns.

The Importance of Ideological Clarity and Unity

Gaurav Gogoi’s speech also hinted at a broader theme: the need for ideological clarity and organisational unity within the Congress. In his view, these qualities can only emerge when the party clearly separates itself from opportunists and elevates those who have worked tirelessly without expectation of reward.

He added:

“I am fully confident that if we bring forward staunch Congress persons, we will win every assembly election.”

This confidence was echoed throughout the session, with repeated calls for worker recognition, grassroots unity, and consistent communication with the electorate.

Congress’ Strategy Going Forward

Congress appears to be preparing for a stronger, more disciplined approach in state elections. The party has faced setbacks in recent polls and internal disagreements, but with leaders like Gogoi promoting unity and loyalty, there’s a renewed focus on organisational strength.

The theme of Nyaypath signifies a rebranding of the party as a movement of justice and integrity, contrasting the BJP's model of centralised control. The emphasis is on empowering local leaders, encouraging honest feedback from workers, and positioning Congress as the party of inclusivity and people-first politics.

BJP’s Model Under Scrutiny

By labelling the BJP’s functioning as that of a “private limited company”, Gogoi painted it as hierarchical and profit-driven, lacking in emotional or ideological connection to its cadre. This comparison was designed to strengthen Congress’ identity as people-oriented and democratic, especially at a time when voters are increasingly sceptical of top-down leadership.

The personal tone of Gogoi’s speech, invoking family values and respect for loyal members, is also likely to resonate with the party’s traditional base—many of whom view Congress as a symbol of India's post-independence political heritage.

Final Thoughts

As the political atmosphere heats up ahead of several state assembly elections, Congress is trying to revitalise its core. The AICC session in Ahmedabad served as both a call to action and a reaffirmation of its values.

With Gaurav Gogoi’s impassioned appeal, the party may be heading into the future with a clearer sense of identity, stronger internal morale, and a renewed commitment to grassroots democracy.

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