Ahmedabad: Leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha, Shri Rahul Gandhi, addressed Congress Party workers and former candidates of local body elections in Ahmedabad on March 8, 2025, during Samvaad programme. In his speech, he emphasized the need for the Congress Party to reconnect with the people of Gujarat and strengthen its presence in the state’s political landscape. During his address, Shri Rahul Gandhi expressed his commitment to understanding the concerns of Party workers and the people of Gujarat. “I came here to listen to what is in your hearts, to understand your pain,” he said.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by the Party in Gujarat, where it has been out of power for nearly 30 years, and stressed that merely focusing on elections would not be enough to regain public trust. “Until we fulfill our responsibilities, the people of Gujarat will not elect us. We must first earn their trust,” he asserted.

‘Let’s go to the people’

Shri Rahul Gandhi claimed that the people of Gujarat are caught in a trap and that the diamond, textile and ceramic industries are in shambles. The people of Gujarat want to move forward but the Congress that had given stalwarts like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel is unable to show them the way, both of whom played a pivotal role in India’s independence movement he said. “I am not speaking out of shame or fear but I want to put this before you — we are unable to show Gujarat the way,” the Congress leader said, adding, “Our leaders, including me, will have to go amidst the people of Gujarat, listen to their voices, what they expect from me, what we can do for them — for their education, health, and future. We are here to listen to you.” He urged the Party to once again become a guiding force for the people of Gujarat, just as it had done in the past.

Former Congress President Shri Rahul Gandhi pointed out internal challenges within the Party, stating that there are two types of leaders within the Gujarat Congress -- those who are genuinely connected to the people and those who remain distant. He stressed the need to differentiate between the two and take decisive action against those who are not aligned with the Party’s core values.

“If we have to remove 10, 15, 20, or even 40 people who secretly work for the BJP, then we must do it,” he declared. He also criticized the current leadership in Gujarat, stating that the state’s small and medium businesses, farmers, and industries were struggling and in need of a new vision. “The current model of governance has failed. The people of Gujarat are calling for change, and Congress can provide that vision,” he said. However, he emphasized that this transformation could only happen if the Party re-establishes its connection with the people.

Increase Vote Share

Encouraging confidence among Party workers, Shri Rahul Gandhi reminded them that the opposition already holds 40 per cent of the vote in Gujarat. He said the Party could come to power in the State if it manages to increase its vote share by 5%, citing the example of Telangana, where it managed a 22% increase in the vote share. Towards the end of his speech, he lightened the mood with a humorous remark about Gujarat’s hospitality. “Every time I come here, no matter how much I try to control my weight, you take me to restaurants and serve delicious snacks, and I end up gaining a kilo!” he joked, drawing laughter from the audience. Shri Rahul Gandhi concluded his address with a message of determination and unity, vowing to strengthen the Party in Gujarat and reconnect with its people. “It is my responsibility to bring back the confidence of our Party workers, and I will fulfill that responsibility,” he said.