In New Delhi, the Congress Working Committee praised the party’s effort in the recent Lok Sabha elections on Saturday, expressing that the outcome represented a political setback and a personal and ethical defeat for the prime minister, who had sought re-election based on his personal appeal.
The committee highlighted the public’s apparent rejection of the governance style that had prevailed over the last ten years.
Two resolutions were passed during an essential gathering of the Congress Working Committee. One of them unanimously called on Rahul Gandhi to undertake the role of the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The second resolution, formed after the leadership evaluated the Lok Sabha election results, criticized the erosion of democratic values and institutions since 2014. The committee recognized the party’s lacklustre performance in specific regions and emphasized the need for immediate corrective actions.
The resolutions praised the electorate for their decisive vote in defence of democracy, the Constitution, and social and economic justice, clearly disapproving of the governance style observed in the previous decade.
“The verdict is not only a political loss but a personal and moral failure for the prime minister who campaigned on his name, relying on misinformation, hate, prejudice, division, and extreme bigotry. This rejection by the people starkly stands against the dilution of democracy and democratic institutions since 2014,” the committee stated.
Furthermore, the committee thanked the citizens for starting Congress on a path to recovery, acknowledging the persistent efforts of its leaders and workers. The resolutions commended the party’s campaign, highlighting its defence of the Constitution and advocacy for social justice through reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.
The committee underscored the crucial need for a socio-economic and caste census to foster social justice and empowerment, along with addressing the immediate concerns of the youth and farmers. It lauded the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi’s guidance, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s impactful campaign, and Rahul Gandhi’s pivotal role, primarily through the Bharat Jodo Yatra and Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, which marked significant moments in the nation’s political dialogue.
Rahul Gandhi’s focus on safeguarding the Constitution as the core aspect of the 2024 election campaign and the Paanch Nyay-Pachees Guarantee program, which emerged from his yatras, were particularly highlighted for their resonating impact on the electorate.
The CWC also acknowledged the valiant effort of the candidates who did not win, extending gratitude to the INDIA alliance parties for their exceptional performance in states like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. It recognized the contribution of these parties to the dynamics of the 18th Lok Sabha.
Lastly, the committee admitted the need for weighty introspection and corrective measures in states where the party’s performance fell short of expectations. It concluded on a note of optimism about the party’s resurgence, acknowledging the long journey ahead to regain its prominent position in Indian politics.