Rahul Gandhi, a prominent figure in the Indian National Congress, is currently focusing his political activities on Gujarat. His recent visit, which includes participation in a training camp for District Congress Committee (DCC) presidents in Junagadh, highlights the strategic importance he places on this state.
The repeated visits to Gujarat, including seven visits in the last six months and two in a week, signal a concerted effort to challenge the BJP’s dominance. The state is considered a BJP stronghold, and Rahul Gandhi aims to make substantial gains in the upcoming elections.
A key aspect of Gandhi’s strategy involves touring all 182 assembly constituencies in the coming months to assess the ground reality. This approach indicates a commitment to understanding local issues and building a strong grassroots presence.
During his recent tours, Rahul Gandhi has emphasized the significance of Gujarat in the larger context of national politics. He has stated that a victory in Gujarat would be a critical step towards weakening the BJP at the national level.
The upcoming assembly elections in 2027 are a central focus. Rahul Gandhi believes that any loss for the BJP in Gujarat would be perceived as a setback for key leaders like Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah, both of whom have strong ties to the state.
The Congress party’s performance in the 2017 assembly elections provides a basis for optimism. The party came close to defeating the BJP, securing 77 seats compared to the BJP’s 99. This close contest has boosted the confidence of the Congress, with many leaders believing that a victory in Gujarat could signal a shift in national politics and help the INDIA alliance in the 2029 elections.
To strengthen the party at the grassroots level, new district heads are undergoing training. The training covers party ideology, policies, and strategies for political campaigns.
The 2022 assembly elections saw the Congress winning only 17 seats, and its vote share declined. The rise of the Aam Aadmi Party also impacted the results. In contrast, the BJP had a strong showing. Rahul Gandhi’s frequent visits are aimed at rebuilding the organization and improving its prospects for the 2027 elections.
Rahul Gandhi’s current efforts also include building a new Congress capable of competing with the BJP. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has criticized the current leadership for undermining democratic values, further setting the stage for an intense political contest.