Rahul Gandhi is currently focusing his political efforts on Gujarat, a state where the BJP has traditionally held a strong position. His participation in the training camp for District Congress Committee (DCC) presidents in Junagadh highlights his strategic focus on the region.
The frequency of Gandhi’s visits to Gujarat, including seven visits in the past six months and two in the last week, suggests a determined effort to challenge the BJP’s dominance and enhance the Congress’s prospects in the state.
A key element of this strategy is his plan to visit all 182 assembly constituencies in the coming months. This initiative reflects his commitment to understanding the local issues and connecting with voters at the grassroots level.
During his previous visits, Rahul Gandhi has framed the Gujarat elections as a crucial battleground in the wider political landscape. He has emphasized that a victory in Gujarat would be a significant step towards weakening the BJP at the national level.
The upcoming assembly elections in 2027 are a key focus. Gandhi believes that a loss for the BJP in Gujarat would reflect negatively on Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah, who have strong ties to the state.
The Congress party’s performance in the 2017 elections provides a basis for optimism, as the party came close to defeating the BJP. This close contest has instilled confidence among Congress leaders, who believe that a victory in Gujarat would have a significant impact on national politics and help the INDIA alliance in the 2029 elections.
In order to strengthen the party at the grassroots level, new district heads are undergoing training. The training covers party ideology, policies, and strategies for political campaigns.
The 2022 assembly elections saw the Congress winning only 17 seats, and its vote share declining. The rise of the Aam Aadmi Party also impacted the results. Rahul Gandhi’s frequent visits are aimed at rebuilding the organization and improving its prospects for the 2027 elections.
Rahul Gandhi’s efforts also include building a new Congress capable of competing with the BJP. Statements from the Congress leadership suggest an intense political contest is in the offing.