Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived in Ahmedabad on Friday morning for a two-day visit to Gujarat, focusing on preparations for the 2027 assembly elections.
Upon arrival at Ahmedabad airport, he proceeded to the Gujarat Congress headquarters in Paldi, where he held meetings with senior party leaders. Among those present were former state Congress presidents and former leaders of opposition in the assembly, the party stated.
High-Level Meetings on Party Strategy
Later in the day, Gandhi is set to attend a meeting with members of the State Political Affairs Committee. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Congress highlighted that Gandhi had previously expressed confidence in the party’s victory in the 2027 elections and emphasized that his visit marks the beginning of groundwork for the polls.
Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been under BJP rule since 1995.
Interaction with Party Workers and Social Organisations
On Friday evening, Gandhi will engage with district and city Congress presidents, along with taluka and municipality chiefs. He will also interact with representatives of social organisations between 5 PM and 7 PM, according to a media release.
On Saturday, Gandhi will address party workers in Ahmedabad before departing for Delhi in the afternoon.
Congress Prepares for AICC Session in Gujarat
The All India Congress Committee (AICC) session is scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad on April 8-9, marking the first time in 64 years that the state will host the event.
Party general secretary K C Venugopal had visited Gujarat last Tuesday to oversee preparations for the crucial meeting.
Congress’ Struggles in Gujarat Assembly Elections
In the 2022 Gujarat Assembly elections, Congress secured only 17 of the 182 seats. However, the party’s strength further dwindled to 12 after the resignation of five MLAs. Gandhi’s visit is seen as an effort to rebuild party morale and strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.