The Congress Working Committee members unanimously urged Rahul Gandhi to take on the role of Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. They credited his two Bharat Jodo Yatras for the party’s improved performance in the general elections. Following an extended meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), party General Secretary KC Venugopal stated that the CWC members had unanimously requested Gandhi to assume the role of Leader of the Opposition. Venugopal also mentioned that Rahul Gandhi stated he would make a decision about it soon.
This will be the first time since the Congress was ousted from power in 2014 that the party will hold the post of Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. In previous years, the party did not meet the requirement of having at least 10% of the total seats in the House to secure this position, both in 2014 and 2019.
Venugopal also highlighted the enthusiasm of the party’s leaders and workers, stating that the CWC sentiment is that the Congress’ revival has commenced. The CWC passed two resolutions, with one commending the contributions of Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to the party’s performance in the Lok Sabha polls. The resolutions also credited the Bharat Jodo Yatras led by Rahul Gandhi for the party’s improved performance.
Furthermore, the CWC resolution expressed that the people’s verdict was not only a political loss but also a personal and moral defeat for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who sought a mandate in his name. The Congress has emerged as the second-largest party in the Lok Sabha, increasing its tally to 99 from 52 in the 2019 elections.
