Congress Charts Resilience Path After Disappointing Polls, Gears Up For 2024 Lok Sabha Battle

Congress leaders, led by Jairam Ramesh, showcase unwavering determination, outlining plans for introspection, strategy recalibration, and a robust approach towards the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Outlook Web Desk

Updated on: 4 December 2023 5:16 pm

Jairam Ramesh addressing media

The Congress party responded to the recent Assembly poll outcomes in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan, acknowledging disappointment but emphasizing resilience. After a meeting of the parliamentary strategy group, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh stated that while the results fell below expectations, the party remains undeterred and views this setback as temporary, as reported by PTI.

Ramesh affirmed the acceptance of the electoral verdict and outlined plans for introspection. He conveyed the party's determination to fight harder, with an eye on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Additionally, he mentioned an upcoming informal meeting called by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge on December 6, inviting like-minded political parties to discuss the political landscape.

Addressing the media after the parliamentary strategy group meeting convened by Sonia Gandhi, Ramesh shared the party's commitment to participate actively in the Winter Session of Parliament. The Congress aims to form a government in Telangana, while also assuming a responsible opposition role in the states where it faced electoral setbacks.

Ramesh underscored the need for discussions on the election results, asserting that the Congress party is conscious of the limited time before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He emphasized that the setback would only fortify the party's resolve, echoing the message from the Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson.

Regarding legislative matters, Ramesh criticized three bills aiming to replace the IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act as "dangerous." He announced the Congress's strong opposition to these bills in Parliament, citing concerns raised during standing committee meetings.

The Congress leader also expressed the party's objections to a Bill related to the appointment of the chief election commissioner (CEC) and election commissioners. He disclosed plans for Congress MPs to actively participate in debates and discussions on various bills proposed by the government, asserting their stance against bills they consider perilous.

Ramesh highlighted the demand for discussions on the current economic situation, inflation, unemployment, and regional inequalities. He called for attention to environmental issues, especially in the aftermath of events like the Uttarakhand disaster. Additionally, he addressed concerns about the situation in Manipur, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence on the northeastern state.

In attendance at the meeting were prominent Congress leaders, including K C Venugopal, Randeep Surjewala, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, K Suresh, P Chidambaram, Rajani Patil, Manickam Tagore, Ravneet Singh Bittu, and Shashi Tharoor. The meeting, held at Sonia Gandhi's residence, lasted for more than an hour and covered a range of pressing political issues.