The Congress Working Committee convened a crucial meeting in New Delhi as the party seeks to regroup after recent electoral setbacks and sharpen its political strategy for the year ahead. The gathering brought together the party’s top leadership, including the Gandhis, senior leaders, and chief ministers from Congress-ruled states, highlighting the importance of the discussions.
Coming in the aftermath of the Bihar election debacle, the meeting is being seen as a reset moment for the Congress. With national politics entering a decisive phase, the party leadership is keen to identify issues that can resonate with voters and help rebuild momentum at the grassroots.
At the heart of the deliberations is the newly enacted G RAM G law, which replaced the UPA-era MGNREGA. The Congress has labelled the move anti-people and is preparing a nationwide campaign to mobilise public opinion against it.
CWC Meeting After Bihar Setback
The Congress Working Committee meeting marks the first major internal discussion after the party’s disappointing performance in the Bihar elections. Leaders acknowledged the need for introspection and course correction to avoid repeating past mistakes.
Sources indicate that the leadership is focused on strengthening organisational discipline and improving coordination between the central command and state units. The goal is to ensure that political messaging is consistent and impactful across regions.
The meeting also serves as a platform to assess why earlier campaigns failed to sustain momentum, despite raising significant national issues.
Focus on G RAM G Law Campaign
A key agenda item is the party’s opposition to the G RAM G law, which has replaced the rural employment guarantee scheme introduced during the UPA government. Congress leaders view the renaming and restructuring of the scheme as an attempt to dilute the legacy of a flagship welfare programme.
While the new law increases guaranteed employment from 100 to 125 days, Congress leaders argue that the changes shift the financial burden unfairly onto states. Unlike the earlier arrangement, where the Centre bore the full wage cost, states will now have to share payments.
The CWC is expected to finalise an agitational roadmap to take this issue to villages and small towns, aiming to mobilise rural voters and build pressure on the government.
Learning From Past Campaigns
Senior leaders reportedly discussed the party’s inability to sustain public movements in the past, despite raising issues such as GST reforms and defence deals. These experiences are shaping the current strategy.
The leadership believes that consistent engagement, rather than sporadic protests, is necessary to keep public attention focused on issues affecting livelihoods.
There is also emphasis on empowering state units to adapt the campaign to local realities while staying aligned with the central narrative.
National Herald Case on Agenda
The National Herald case is another major topic being deliberated at the CWC meeting. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have been accused of money laundering in the case, which continues to be a flashpoint between the Congress and the government.
Although a trial court recently declined to take cognisance of the complaint, the matter remains active after the enforcement agency approached the Delhi High Court.
Party leaders are expected to discuss legal and political strategies, including how to counter what they describe as selective targeting of opposition leaders.
Aravalli Range Redefinition Sparks Debate
The Centre’s move to redefine the Aravalli range has triggered widespread concern, making it a key agenda item at the meeting. The new definition limits protected hills to those rising 100 metres above local terrain.
Congress leaders fear that large tracts of land could now be opened up for mining and commercial exploitation, posing serious environmental risks.
The CWC is likely to explore ways to challenge the policy and highlight what it calls the government’s double standards on environmental protection.
Concerns Over Environmental Protection
Environmental issues have gained prominence in recent years, and the Congress leadership believes they can become a rallying point for urban and youth voters.
The meeting is expected to outline a strategy to raise awareness about the long-term ecological impact of policy changes affecting sensitive regions.
Leaders are keen to position the party as a strong voice for sustainable development and environmental accountability.
Bangladesh Violence and Minority Safety
The recent violence against Hindus in Bangladesh is also likely to feature in the discussions. The lynching of individuals there has sparked outrage and concern across India.
Congress leaders are expected to deliberate on how to address the issue responsibly, balancing humanitarian concerns with diplomatic sensitivities.
The party may also discuss how to articulate its position on minority safety without allowing the issue to be politicised.
Karnataka Leadership Tussle
With Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah present at the meeting, attention is also on the unresolved leadership tussle in the state.
The crisis intensified after loyalists of another senior leader camped in Delhi, demanding clarity on the future leadership arrangement.
While no formal announcement has been made yet, the issue is expected to be discussed internally to prevent further unrest within the state unit.
Role of Gandhis and Senior Leaders
The presence of the Gandhis, along with leaders like Shashi Tharoor and chief ministers from Congress-ruled states, underscores the importance of the meeting.
The leadership is keen to project unity and collective resolve as it prepares for upcoming electoral battles.
By bringing together diverse voices within the party, the CWC aims to craft a strategy that balances ideological clarity with electoral pragmatism.
Preparing for the Electoral Year Ahead
With key elections on the horizon, the Congress is under pressure to translate internal deliberations into visible political action.
The meeting is expected to conclude with a clear plan that combines agitation, outreach, and organisational strengthening.
As the party charts its path forward, the effectiveness of these decisions will be tested in how successfully they resonate with voters on the ground.
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About the Author:
Harshit Raj
