‘Happy My Innings Could Conclude With Bharat Jodo Yatra’: Sonia Gandhi
Sonia Gandhi, the leader of the Congress, made a passing reference to her political retirement on Saturday, expressing her happiness that her “innings could close with the Bharat Jodo Yatra,” which she referred to as “a turning moment” for the party.
On the second day of the party’s three-day brainstorming summit, Ms. Gandhi addressed 15,000 delegates in Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh. She remarked, “What pleases me most is that my innings might culminate with the Bharat Jodo Yatra. The Yatra marked a turning moment in history. It has demonstrated that the vast majority of Indians desire peace, tolerance, and equality.
“It has renewed the rich legacy of dialogue between our party and the people through mass contact programmes. It has shown us all that the Congress stands with the people and is ready to fight for them,” she said.
“I congratulate all party workers who have worked hard for the Yatra… I especially thank Rahul [Gandhi] ji, whose determination and leadership were crucial in the Yatra’s success,” Ms Gandhi said.
The 76-year-old former head of the Congress hinted at her retirement, but she left it up to the public to decide whether she would fight for office again from Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh or give her daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra the seat in the upcoming Lok Parliament elections.
“Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi and the BJP-RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) government has mercilessly conquered and subverted every single institution,” Ms. Gandhi added, describing the current period as a “very hard time” for the Congress and the nation.
The 85th plenary session of the Congress has got underway, and major decisions, including alliances with other opposition parties, are anticipated for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
It follows the Bharat Jodo Yatra, a significant nationwide foot march led by Rahul Gandhi with the goal of uniting supporters and addressing the party’s lack of voter engagement.
On the first day of the meeting, the Congress Steering Committee decided against holding elections for the Working Committee, the top body of the party, and gave Mallikarjun Kharge the go-ahead to designate its members.
Sonia Gandhi handed over control of the 137-year-old organisation to Mr. Kharge, a devoted supporter, in October following back-to-back electoral losses, years of internal fighting for a reform, and an exodus of leaders. The Gandhis, who are regarded as the party’s founding family, have a strong grip on it.
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