Revival of Congress party is essential for democracy, society: Sonia Gandhi

Congress leader and party chief Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday called for unity at all levels of the organisation and said their party’s revival is important for democracy and society as she slammed the government for targeting the Opposition and “spreading maximum fear and intimidation”.

Addressing the Congress Parliamentary Party, Gandhi said, “The road ahead is more challenging than ever before. Our dedication and determination, our spirit of resilience (are) under severe test. Unity at all levels of our vast organisation is of paramount importance.”

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She also said that she is determined to do whatever is needed to ensure unity.

These comments, by the Congress chief came weeks before the party’s chintan shivir (brainstorming camp) is being organised following Congress’s debacle in the elections held in five states in February and March.

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In the recently-concluded Assembly elections, the Congress lost power in Punjab and did poorly in four other states. Gandhi called the election results “shocking and painful”.

It is reported that Gandhi’s pitch was for unity at the level of states to improve the party’s chance of winning upcoming elections and also accommodating the “G23” group of dissenters at the national level. Infighting has been identified as a major cause of Congress’ poll debacles.

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Gandhi said the Congress Working Committee met to review the party’s performance. She added she too “met with other colleagues” and received suggestions on how to strengthen our organisation.

Gandhi, who met “G23” leaders such as Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, and Manish Tewari, said some of the suggestions of the group are “pertinent” and she is working on them.

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Gandhi accused the ruling establishment of continuing to target the Opposition, its leaders, and workers.

“The full might of the state machinery is unleashed against them. Maximum governance to those in power clearly means spreading maximum fear and intimidation. Such blatant threats and tactics will not frighten or silence us nor will we get cowed down,” she said.