The Congress party is gearing up to hold its extended Working Committee (CWC) meeting on December 26 and 27, 2024, at Belagavi, Karnataka, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi presiding over the historic Congress session there. The event promises to be significant, bringing together top leaders of the party including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, alongside CWC members and senior leaders from across India.
Anticipation is high as around 200 leaders gather to discuss the future direction of the Congress party. According to Congress MP KC Venugopal, this meeting is not only historic but will also reflect on the foundational ideas Gandhi espoused during his presidency, especially the principles of non-violence, social justice, and the need for unity among diverse communities.
Venugopal emphasized the relevance of Gandhi’s 1924 address, stating, "Mahatma Gandhi presented his address in Belgaum basically on non-violence, non-cooperation as a means to attain political freedom..." This historical reflection will serve as motivation as the party strategizes to tackle current socio-economic disparities and challenges faced under the ruling BJP government.
The CWC meeting will kick off at 2:30 PM on December 26, at Mahatma Gandhi Nagar, and will take place at the same venue used for the 1924 session, the Veera Soudha. A statue of Mahatma Gandhi, sanctioned by the Karnataka government, will be unveiled at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, the state assembly, as part of the celebrations. On the morning of December 27, the Congress will hold the ‘Jai Bapu, Jai Bheem, Jai Sanvidhan’ rally, showcasing party unity and the hope for resurgence.
During this two-day event, the CWC is set to adopt two resolutions aimed at outlining the party's action plan for the upcoming year. Critical issues such as economic inequality and perceived erosion of democratic structures under the current government will be on the agenda. Venugopal remarked, "This is going to be a landmark programme of INC to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's presidency..." signaling its importance for the party's future.
Reflecting on past challenges, the CWC meeting will discuss strategies not only for organizational restructuring but also about countering division and fostering unity among voters. According to CWC member Gidugu Rudraraju, there will be stern discussions about the government's policies, warning the NDA partners such as TDP and JD(U) for supporting what he labeled as anti-people and anti-farmer policies of the BJP.
Rudraraju stated, "We are going to give a stern warning to the NDA partners...who are supporting the anti-people and anti-farmer policies of the BJP government..." This highlights the Congress’s resolve to address the grievances of various constituencies and communities affected by such policies.
The upcoming rally and CWC meeting mark not just a nod to history but aim to position the Congress party as a viable alternative against the ruling party’s approach. By cementing its foundational principles and re-engaging with the electorate, Congress hopes to echo the spirit of Gandhi’s ideals and, as one party leader pointed out, "get back to winning ways.”
Political analysts note the importance of this meeting, especially at a time when the Congress struggles to regain its footing amid challenges to its leadership and effectiveness. The extended CWC meeting provides not only opportunities for reflection but also for strategic planning as the party recuperates from electoral setbacks. With the Congress aiming for renewal, many view this moment as pivotal, akin to the significance of the 1924 session.
Leaders like Rahul Gandhi are expected to play pivotal roles, especially as they engage with party workers and voters across the country. The hope is to take lessons from the past and effectively implement those insights to modify current strategies. The backdrop of Gandhi’s historical relevance lingers, as the party aspires to reconnect with the electorate on the grounds of unity, justice, and service.
