Gujarat Congress on High Alert After Rahul Gandhi’s Tough Stance on BJP Links

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s recent statement accusing some Gujarat Congress leaders of “conniving with the BJP” and emphasizing the need to remove “20 to 30 people” if necessary has sent shockwaves through the state unit. With attention now fixed on Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president and Rajya Sabha MP Shaktisinh Gohil, questions arise about the party’s next steps.

In an interview, Gohil addresses a range of topics, including Rahul Gandhi’s remarks, the upcoming AICC session, and the party’s strategic direction in Gujarat.

On Rahul Gandhi’s Aggressive Stand

Did you expect Rahul Gandhi to take such a strong stance?

Rahul ji speaks his mind. A day before making those remarks in Ahmedabad, he met all GPCC workers, including district Congress presidents and cell chairpersons. I encouraged them to openly discuss any concerns, even regarding my shortcomings.

There was clear feedback from workers that some leaders were engaging with the BJP while still in the Congress. They also spoke about the BJP’s tactics of intimidation. To counter this, we need to reestablish the Gandhian model of governance, where education and healthcare are accessible and highly regarded.

On Purging Pro-BJP Leaders

Will there be an actual purge of BJP-aligned leaders?

There’s no way to “X-ray” someone’s mind, but after Rahul ji’s statement, we will examine this issue more closely. A district president recently presented audio evidence of a leader’s involvement with the BJP and requested his removal. I approved it, ensuring it wasn’t driven by factionalism.

Many senior leaders who seemed loyal to the party have quit, proving that no one is beyond doubt. However, where we find evidence, action will be taken—regardless of whether the person is a grassroots worker or a senior leader.

On Leadership Changes in Gujarat Congress

Will there be a change in the PCC president?

That is up to the party high command. I consider myself a soldier of the party. When I was assigned to Bihar, people said it was a difficult state, but I took on the challenge. The same happened with Gujarat. If the party relieves me tomorrow, I will continue working as a Congress karyakarta.

As of now, the high command has not indicated any change. Instead, they have shown complete faith in me.

At the AICC Session in Gujarat

What is the significance of the AICC session being held in Gujarat next month?

It marks 100 years since Mahatma Gandhi became Congress president, and Gujarat is his birthplace. Additionally, 2025 will see the 150th birth anniversary and 75th death anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Given Sardar Patel’s 25-year tenure as Gujarat Congress president, I proposed holding the AICC session here, and the Congress Working Committee (CWC) agreed.

On Congress’s Strategy Against BJP in Gujarat

What does Congress need to do to defeat the BJP in Gujarat?

Every election requires a fresh approach. From my experience, I have learned that adapting strategies is key to defeating the BJP and Narendra Modi. We must understand the evolving political landscape and respond accordingly.

What is Congress’s biggest issue in Gujarat—leaders siding with the BJP or internal factionalism?

We must work hard and strategize effectively. Public sentiment ultimately decides outcomes in a democracy. The situation in Gujarat is concerning, but if we can effectively communicate our vision, we can turn things around.

On Congress’s Weakness in Urban Gujarat

Why does Congress struggle to attract urban voters in Gujarat?

Our biggest weakness is the lack of a strong organizational network in urban areas. While we have dedicated workers, our reach at the booth and ward levels is insufficient.

Additionally, while the BJP has failed to address urban issues, we have also not been able to convincingly present our governance model as a better alternative. The urban middle class is facing serious challenges, and we need to effectively communicate how Congress can provide solutions.

On Representation of Minorities in Congress

Gujarat’s only Muslim MLA, Imran Khedawala, recently said non-Muslim Congress MLAs do not speak up for minorities. What is your response?

Whether it is demolitions in Dwarka, Porbandar, or Ahmedabad’s Rabari Colony, I have visited these places and spoken up.

Justice should not be a concern only for those directly affected. If minorities face injustice, non-minority leaders should also raise their voices. Similarly, if Dalits face injustice, it should not be left to Jignesh Mevani alone to speak up—I should be the first to do so. That is the true meaning of secularism.

On Reviving Congress After the 2022 Gujarat Elections

What corrective measures were taken post-2022?

One major step was appointing senior leader Mukul Wasnik as Gujarat’s in-charge. His vast experience will benefit the party. Additionally, Rahul Gandhi ji spent two days in Gujarat, reinforcing the party’s commitment to the state. The decision to hold the AICC session here after 64 years is another significant move.

On the Impact of Bharat Jodo Yatra in Gujarat

Despite the success of Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, why didn’t it translate into votes in Gujarat?

In 2017, we won Ahmed Patel’s Rajya Sabha election, proving that Modi and Shah can be challenged. Rahul Ji’s Gujarat tour at that time brought positive messaging and highlighted BJP’s failures, yielding strong results.

Each election teaches valuable lessons. To win in 2027, we need to build on our strengths and address our weaknesses.

On Congress’s 2017 Gains and the Patidar Agitation

Wasn’t Congress’s 2017 success largely due to the Patidar agitation?

It played a role, but look at the constituencies without significant Patidar presence, especially in the tribal belt—Congress still performed well. The agitation highlighted injustices against Patidars, and that certainly helped us.

On Leaders Quitting Congress for BJP

Which Congress leader’s exit has been the biggest loss?

No matter how influential a leader is, if they abandon their ideology, they become irrelevant. They may gain personally, but their credibility is lost. The highest number of leaders quit in 2017, yet we achieved our best results in the subsequent election.

On What Will Attract Leaders to Congress Today

Why should leaders and workers stay with Congress now?

Many big leaders whom the party nurtured either got bought or got scared. However, our grassroots workers remain ideologically committed. It is their dedication that will help us regain strength and win Gujarat.

On What to Expect From the AICC Session

How will the AICC session shape Congress’s future?

We will educate the youth about our history and vision. The Haripura session of 1938, presided over by Subhash Chandra Bose, laid the groundwork for India’s economic planning. Jawaharlal Nehru implemented the Planning Commission based on this blueprint.

Similarly, the upcoming session will provide direction and vision for the party’s future, ensuring that Congress remains committed to its core values while adapting to new challenges.