Congress charts roadmap to resist 'bulldozer politics' from Gujarat

IANS April 7, 2025 204 views

The Congress party is staging a significant two-day national convention in Ahmedabad to challenge what they call the Modi government's "bulldozer politics". Party leaders like K.C. Venugopal and Sachin Pilot are emphasizing a return to Gandhian principles and democratic values. The convention seeks to revive the party's organizational strength and create a unified opposition strategy. With top leadership including Sonia, Rahul, and Priyanka Gandhi expected to attend, the event represents a critical moment of political recalibration for the Congress party.

"The Congress party is reclaiming the Gandhian path." - K.C. Venugopal, Congress General Secretary
Ahmedabad, April 7: Congress is reasserting its ideological core with a two-day national convention in Ahmedabad on April 8 and 9 in Gujarat.

Key Points

1

Congress launches counteroffensive against BJP's democratic norm violations

2

National convention invokes Gandhi and Patel's legacy

3

Party seeks to consolidate opposition momentum and internal reforms

Reaffirming its commitment to the values of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the party has positioned the event as a strategic response to what it calls the Modi government's "bulldozer politics" and Constitutional "subversion".

Addressing reporters at the Ahmedabad airport, Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal laid out the party's agenda, saying: "The Congress party is reclaiming the Gandhian path. We are committed to the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel. The Modi government is bulldozing democratic norms with impunity, and we are ready to resist."

The national convention comes at a critical political juncture, with the Congress seeking to consolidate opposition momentum and revive its organisational strength.

Venugopal said the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on April 8 will chart a roadmap to counter what he described as the Centre's relentless assault on democratic institutions.

"There is no freedom, no space for expression. We're not even allowed to speak in Parliament," he said, adding that parliamentary conventions have been hijacked under the BJP-led regime.

Congress leader Pawan Khera also invoked Gujarat's historical role in shaping India's destiny.

"From Mahatma Gandhi to Sardar Patel, Gujarat has always shown the way in dark times. Today, as the country faces a democratic crisis, Congress draws strength from this legacy," he said.

Khera expressed confidence that resolutions from the Ahmedabad convention would have a decisive impact on national politics.

Speaking on internal reforms, Congress General Secretary Sachin Pilot noted that the party is undergoing a generational shift, with young leaders stepping into key roles.

"The convention comes at a crucial time. We are focused on accountability, ideological clarity, and strengthening the party in Gujarat -- a state that once stood as the Congress's ideological bastion," Pilot said.

The party also launched its official calendar ahead of the event, marking the beginning of a symbolic and strategic political mobilisation from the land of Gandhi.

The event has seen the arrival of key Congress leaders in Ahmedabad, with over 90 per cent of CWC members, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Shashi Tharoor, Ashok Gehlot, and Venugopal himself, expected to participate.

The Congress high command - Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi - will arrive on April 8, completing a high-powered leadership lineup.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul S.
Finally some strong opposition voice! The country needs balance, not one-party dominance. Hope Congress can actually walk the talk this time 🤞
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Priya M.
Interesting to see Congress invoking Gandhi and Patel together. They've always had this ideological richness that current politics lacks. Hope they can reconnect with people!
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Amit K.
Respectful criticism: Congress needs more than symbolism. Where's the concrete action plan? Talking about democratic norms while having dynastic leadership seems contradictory.
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Sunita P.
As a Gujarati, I'm glad to see political activity here beyond BJP! The state needs healthy debate. Hope they address real issues like unemployment and inflation though, not just political rhetoric.
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Vikram J.
"Bulldozer politics" is such an accurate term! The way institutions are being undermined is scary. Hope opposition unity can save our democracy 🙏
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Neha T.
The generational shift mention is promising! Young leaders like Sachin Pilot bring fresh energy. But will the old guard really let them lead? That's the real test.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Congress Narendra Modi Gandhian Politics Gujarat Democratic Resistance K.C. Venugopal Rahul Gandhi
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