The Congress Woking Committee (CWC) has “unanimously” requested Rahul Gandhi to take the position of the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, AICC General Secretary (Organisation), KC Venugopal, informed on Saturday after the extended CWC meeting at New Delhi.
He said that the Party raised several important issues that need now need to be addressed more effectively inside Parliament and Gandhi is the best person to lead this campaign in Parliament. Venugopal further informed that Gandhi had said that he would think about it and give his reply shortly.
The Congress’ General Secretary read out the other resolution taken at the meeting where the Committee congratulated the people of our country for voting so powerfully to preserve democracy, protect the Constitution and enhance social and economic justice. “The verdict of the people is not just a political loss but a personal and moral defeat for the Prime Minister who sought the mandate in his name and ran a campaign anchored in lies, hate, prejudice, divisiveness and extreme bigotry”, it maintained.
The CWC acknowledged AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party Sonia Gandhi, AICC General Secretary Smt. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi, who spearheaded the party’s well-designed and well-executed campaign.
It particularly mentioned that the Bharat Jodo Yatra and the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra were “historic turning points in our nation’s politics and instilled hope and confidence in lakhs of our workers and crores of our voters.” The CWC also stated that the Congress manifesto was the outcome of the yatras “in which he listened to the fears, concerns and aspirations of all people especially youth, women, farmers, workers, dalits, adivasis, OBCs and minorities.”
Further, CWC appreciated the contributions made by the PCC Presidents, CLP Leaders, office-bearers of AICC, PCCs and DCCs, block presidents, booth-level agents and each member of the organization. The Committee congratulated its victorious candidates and recognized the brave fight put up by the candidates who lost.
The Congress also thanked the INDIA parties and stated that the 18th Lok Sabha will be influenced hugely by the INDIA parties.
Taking note of the disappointing performances of the INC in some states, CWC said that urgent steps would be taken to address its shortcomings in these states. It acknowledged that many challenges remain in its endeavour to occupy the pre-eminent position the party once held in the nation’s political life.
“The people of India have spoken—the Congress has been given another chance. It is now up to us to build on it. We must and we will,” the CWC stated. the Party also affirmed that it will continue to be steadfast in its commitment to social and economic justice and safeguarding the Constitution and its principles, values and provisions.
Earlier in the meeting, Congress chief Khrage said that the Party humbly accepts the mandate and called on the members to remain disciplined and united. “A large section of the country’s people have placed their trust in us. We will make every possible effort to maintain their trust”, he stated.
Our work will continue whether we are in power or not, Kharge said, stressing that they have to be among the people 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and raise public issues.
Reminding the members that elections in important states are due in a few months, Kharge asserted that opposition parties have to be defeated “at any cost and form our government”. People want change, we have to become their strength, he stated.
