In response, the BJP criticised Gandhi, attributing Congress’ electoral losses to his leadership, and accused him of shifting blame.
‘Congress must filter out BJP-aligned leaders’
Addressing party workers on the second day of his Gujarat visit, Gandhi stressed the need for a leadership overhaul, highlighting that Congress had been out of power in the state for over three decades. He asserted that the party must distinguish between those committed to its ideology and those disconnected from the people, alleging that “half of them are with the BJP”.
Read more: Rahul Gandhi begins two-day Gujarat visit, meets key Congress leaders
“The party’s first job should be to filter these two groups, even if it means taking strict action of removing people,” Gandhi stated, reported PTI. He added that without such action, the people of Gujarat would not trust the Congress.
The Congress leader pointed to the struggles of Gujarat’s industries, including the diamond, textile, and ceramic sectors, as well as the hardships faced by farmers. He argued that the state’s development had stagnated and the Congress could provide an alternative vision.
BJP calls Gandhi ‘biggest asset’ for the party
Reacting to Gandhi’s remarks, BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi criticised his leadership, claiming that Congress’ decline began under the leadership of the Gandhi family.
Read more: Only economic failure, unemployment, inflation manufactured in bulk under Modi govt: Rahul Gandhi
“The most unsuccessful leader of the Congress in its 140-year history was holding a meeting of party workers in Gujarat to teach them the core mantra of success,” Trivedi remarked.
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also took a dig at Gandhi, accusing him of blaming others for his failures. “He said more than half of his party leaders were in cahoots with the BJP while he got his party defeated in more than 90 elections. In this sense, he is the biggest asset of the BJP,” Poonawalla said in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Rahul Gandhi has once again proven he is the OG when it comes to bizarre comments & no Shama Mohd can displace him but
1) Mr Entitled Dyanst stop calling Congress workers as “ghoda” – they are humans2) Stop blaming others for your failures – first EVM now Karyakartas – who… pic.twitter.com/R6cDZ3bCDM
— Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) March 8, 2025
Poonawalla further questioned whether Gandhi’s remarks were aimed at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. “Was it a question on the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge? Is Rahul Gandhi eyeing Kharge ji’s chair?” he asked.
Read more: PM Modi to visit Mauritius on March 11 and 12 for its National Day celebrations
Congress’ roadmap for Gujarat Elections 2027
During his visit, Gandhi acknowledged the party’s electoral setbacks in Gujarat and emphasised the need to reconnect with the public. He called upon Congress leaders to engage with communities and focus on issues such as education and healthcare.
“The day we have fulfilled our responsibilities, I can guarantee that all the people of Gujarat will support us,” Gandhi stated.
Congress is now preparing for the upcoming All India Congress Committee (AICC) session, scheduled in Ahmedabad on April 8-9, 2025, marking the first such session in Gujarat in 64 years.
(With inputs from agencies)
