Cong Prez Kharge calls for ideological commitment, warns against ‘weak’ leaders

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Feb 19 urged party members to back leaders who remain firmly committed to the party’s ideology while steering clear of those who "run away in difficult times."

"Promote people ideologically committed to the party; stay away from weak who run away in difficult times," Kharge asserted at a high-level meeting of senior Congress leaders.

During the discussions, held at the party's new headquarters at Indira Bhawan, Kharge emphasized greater accountability within the party, declaring that "office-bearers would be held responsible for future poll results."

The meeting saw the presence of top leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, AICC General Secretary (Organization) K.C. Venugopal, and state in-charges.

It focused on the party’s political strategy following the Delhi Assembly election results, where Congress failed to secure a single seat for the third consecutive time. The deliberations also come ahead of the crucial Bihar Assembly elections.

Reflecting on the party’s performance in Delhi, Kharge said, "Congress fought strongly in Delhi despite a lack of resources," and urged leaders to work towards reclaiming the party’s position as the principal opposition.

Kharge also reiterated that 2025 would mark a significant year for the party’s organizational revamp, with a focus on ushering in new leadership. The meeting followed the recent appointment of new office bearers in the party’s revamped structure.

Slamming the BJP-led Modi government, Kharge criticized the recent deportation of Indian nationals from the US, stating, "The Modi government has failed to stop the insult of Indians deported from the USA."

He also took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stance on trade relations, remarking, "PM failed to oppose US tariffs on India, which is an insult to the country and its people."

With internal restructuring underway and crucial elections on the horizon, Kharge’s message signals a call for both ideological steadfastness and accountability within the Congress party.