Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge addressed the party’s crushing defeats in the Haryana and Maharashtra elections during a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, urging leaders to rectify internal weaknesses and work cohesively to rebuild momentum. He emphasized the need for unity, discipline, and accountability within the party, signaling significant organizational overhauls to address persistent shortcomings.
Kharge chastised party leaders for public infighting and making statements that deviate from the party line, asserting that such behavior harms the Congress's collective efforts. Stressing the importance of unity, he warned that the party possesses mechanisms to enforce discipline, although it aims to avoid alienating workers. Kharge urged members to view victories and defeats as shared experiences, reinforcing that the party’s strength is its collective resolve.
Highlighting the electoral defeats, Kharge criticized reliance on outdated methods, advocating for timely decision-making and a robust micro-communication strategy to counter the “propaganda and misinformation” propagated by political rivals. He emphasized the need to adapt to changing electoral dynamics, including the management of voter rolls and the adoption of innovative campaigning techniques to convert favorable atmospheres into tangible results.
Kharge also expressed concerns about the role of EVMs, describing the electoral process as “suspect” and calling on the Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections. He warned of the deepening influence of “fascist forces” that are gradually taking over state institutions, suggesting this as a pressing challenge for Congress to address.
The Congress president stressed that unemployment, inflation, economic inequality, and the caste census remain critical issues resonating with the public. He urged leaders to focus on these matters while preparing for future elections, advocating for state-specific strategies rather than relying solely on national issues and leaders during assembly polls.
In response to critiques from party veterans, Kharge acknowledged the poor organizational structure in several states. He called for a strengthening of the party from the grassroots level, particularly at the booth level, and underscored the importance of constant vigilance and thorough preparation during elections. He committed to addressing accessibility concerns within the party, with senior leaders advocating for greater interaction between workers and top leaders like Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
Reflecting on the election results, Kharge noted that while the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, of which Congress is a part, suffered a severe defeat in Maharashtra, the party’s coalition led by the JMM achieved success in Jharkhand. However, the loss in Haryana against the BJP served as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. He called for introspection and immediate corrective actions, stating that these results serve as a crucial message for the party’s future.
The CWC meeting marked a pivotal moment for the Congress, as Kharge underscored the need for “tough decisions” to revitalize the party and effectively counter its opponents. By addressing internal divisions, refining strategies, and prioritizing grassroots mobilization, Kharge hopes to position the Congress as a formidable force in upcoming elections.
