Ahmedabad: In a rapidly developing political move, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi recently arrived in Gujarat for a series of closed-door meetings with party leaders and grassroots workers.
This wasn’t a routine stopover—Gandhi stirred things up with a sharp metaphor, categorizing state leaders as either 'race horses' who push the party forward or 'wedding horses' meant only for show.
His choice of words wasn’t mere rhetoric—it served as a clear signal of intent.
According to insiders, Gandhi is focused on cutting out ineffective figures within the party and rallying those who deliver results, aiming to revive Congress’s waning presence in the state, TNIE reported.
During the recent CWC and national convention meetings, he is said to have put together a confidential list separating the active leaders from the inactive ones.
Now, suspensions and strategic sidelining are serious possibilities.
With the list ready, the countdown to a political shake-up in Gujarat has begun. Rahul is set to return to the state on April 15–16 for the second time in two weeks, indicating a renewed and intensified focus on the Gujarat unit.
This visit won’t be about appearances — he’ll begin the important process of selecting district presidents, launching the first phase of an ambitious grassroots revamp.
All attention is now focused on Modasa in Aravalli, where preparations are in full swing ahead of Rahul’s crucial visit. The trip, rich in both symbolism and intent, sends a clear message: Rahul is no longer leaving the Gujarat reboot to others — he’s taking charge personally.
This sense of urgency reflects the mood of the recent national convention in Ahmedabad, where Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge openly told underperformers to step away.
Rahul matched that stance, issuing a stern warning about a looming clean-up targeting those suspected of acting as BJP proxies — and that warning is already being acted upon.
Sources reveal a final review is underway for a shortlist of 15 Gujarat leaders, with possible consequences ranging from discreet demotions to public suspensions.
The April 15–16 visit is poised to be a turning point — a critical juncture in the Gujarat Congress’s path forward.
The planned shake-up stems from scathing feedback gathered on the second day of the convention.
Rahul had invited workers to submit written inputs, and what came in was an overwhelming wave of frustration. Members highlighted internal rifts, senior leaders jumping ship, and Youth Congress elections that ended up benefiting the BJP by pushing talent their way.
Adding to the concerns is a troubling pattern of subordination at the district level.
Despite directives from the state leadership, several district presidents are reportedly resisting efforts to empower wing leaders, disrupting the party’s grassroots functioning.
These internal cracks were detailed in letters sent directly to Rahul, prompting him to take charge and begin a top-down overhaul.
While a few influential regional leaders are expected to weather the changes, insiders suggest that two to three fresh faces may be elevated.
One senior figure is also likely to be dropped from the CWC.