The Congress party in Gujarat has adopted a new rallying cry, “Daabon Aapo” or apply pressure, aimed squarely at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has maintained a stronghold in the state for over three decades. Leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi has taken personal charge of this mission, declaring his intent to put pressure on the BJP. His objective: to humble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, beginning with Gujarat, Modi’s home state.
Rahul Gandhi’s determination crystallized during his recent speech in the Lok Sabha, where he directly addressed the Prime Minister, predicting the BJP’s defeat in Gujarat. “We will defeat you there too. Next time, Congress will win,” he asserted, looking ahead to the state elections in 2027, while focusing on the upcoming local polls in approximately 15 months.
Why this intense focus on Gujarat, a state where the Congress has struggled, notably performing poorly in the 2022 assembly polls? Gujarat has also witnessed key defections from the Congress to the BJP, along with the entry of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) from Delhi, which further complicated electoral dynamics. Past Congress stalwarts like Hardik Patel and Alpesh Thakore have also moved away from the party.
In the 2017 elections, despite a spirited challenge, the Congress faced setbacks, including controversial remarks that played into BJP’s favor. Modi effectively leveraged regional sentiments and identity politics, consolidating BJP’s hold on local and state elections.
Rahul Gandhi’s recent visit to Gujarat and his meetings with party workers injured in clashes with alleged BJP members underscore his strategic approach. A defeat for the BJP in Gujarat, Rahul Gandhi believes, would deliver a significant blow to Modi, akin to the symbolic loss of Amethi for the Rahul Gandhi in 2019.
To revitalize the Congress in Gujarat, Rahul Gandhi plans to overhaul the party leadership, advocating for the promotion of young talent and signaling an imminent organizational reshuffle. Senior leaders like Shaktisinh Gohil have been entrusted with key responsibilities, as the Congress aims to strengthen its voter base, particularly in rural and tribal areas.
Rahul Gandhi’s focused strategy mirrors a methodical approach, akin to a woodpecker chipping away persistently at the BJP’s dominance. His relentless pursuit against Modi and the BJP’s perceived invincibility in Gujarat signifies his ambition to deliver what he views as a decisive blow to the Prime Minister’s stature and the BJP’s stronghold.
