New Delhi: As the Congress gears up for a pivotal meeting today, all eyes are on Rahul Gandhi amid rising calls for him to accept the post of Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha. Following a remarkable performance in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, where the party secured 99 seats—a significant improvement from the 52 seats won in 2019—Rahul Gandhi is being hailed as the driving force behind this resurgence. His two Bharat Jodo Yatras are credited with revitalizing the party’s grassroots connections and bolstering its electoral fortunes.
Today, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) will review the party’s performance in the 2024 elections. Later, at 5:30 pm, the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) meeting will take place, where a crucial decision regarding the leadership in the Lok Sabha will be made. Many within the party believe that Rahul Gandhi is the natural choice to lead the Congress MPs in Parliament.
“In the CWC meeting, we are going to review the performance of the Congress party in the 2024 elections. In the CPP meeting scheduled at 5:30 pm, the Congress party will elect the CPP chairperson… For the Congress’ leader in the Lok Sabha, we all feel Rahul Gandhi should be given charge. If he accepts this role, he will be LoP leading the 234 INDIA bloc MPs… We all know BJP has lost the majority as the single largest party in the previous Lok Sabha… Their dependence on Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar is the only way they can form the government… INDIA alliance leaders have decided to wait and watch and we will take a decision at the right time,” stated Congress leader Manickam Tagore.
The party’s improved performance is largely attributed to Rahul Gandhi’s leadership and strategic campaigning. His Bharat Jodo Yatras, which traversed several states, played a crucial role in re-energizing the party base and connecting with voters on a personal level. As a result, there is a strong push within the Congress for Rahul Gandhi to step into the role of Leader of Opposition, a position that would see him leading the 234 MPs from the INDIA bloc in the Lok Sabha.
According to sources from ANI, it is expected that Sonia Gandhi will be re-elected as the chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP). This role empowers her to name the leaders of the party in both Houses of Parliament. The Congress is also set to decide on a replacement for Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who previously held the LoP position in the Lok Sabha but lost his seat to TMC’s Yusuf Pathan.
As the Congress deliberates its leadership structure, the party is also considering its broader strategy in the Parliament. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge already serves as the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, adding another layer of complexity to the decision-making process.
Today’s meetings are crucial for setting the direction of the Congress as it navigates the new political landscape. With the BJP losing its majority as the single largest party and relying on allies like Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar, the role of the opposition takes on even greater significance. The decision on whether Rahul Gandhi will take up the mantle of LoP could have far-reaching implications for both the Congress and the broader opposition alliance.
As the Congress huddle unfolds, the party faithful and political observers alike are keenly awaiting the outcome, which could signal the dawn of a new era in opposition politics under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership.
