Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday addressed top party leaders, emphasizing accountability for future election results and cautioning against party defectors. His remarks came in light of the party’s poor performance in the Delhi elections.
Speaking at a meeting of newly appointed office-bearers at Indira Bhawan, the party headquarters, Kharge urged leaders to engage actively at the grassroots level, reinforcing the party’s presence from booth-level operations upward. He stressed the importance of promoting individuals who are ideologically dedicated to Congress and have remained steadfast in challenging times.
Kharge also alluded to further changes within the party structure, acknowledging that some organizational modifications had already been made, with more to follow.
“Accountability is of utmost importance. Each of you will be responsible for revitalizing state organizations and ensuring better results in upcoming elections,” Kharge told the attendees.
The Congress recently appointed new officebearers as part of its organizational restructuring.
The meeting was attended by former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, general secretaries, and state in-charges.
“You must fortify the party at every level, from local booths to the central headquarters. We must induct individuals who are ideologically loyal and have consistently supported the party through difficult phases,” Kharge asserted.
“Often, in the process of strengthening an organization, people are hastily inducted who later desert the party when challenges arise. We must be cautious of such individuals,” he cautioned the leaders.
During his opening address, Kharge acknowledged that Delhi voters sought change and commended the state leadership for putting up a commendable fight despite limited resources.
The BJP secured a return to power in Delhi after a gap of 26 years, winning 48 out of 70 assembly seats. The AAP managed 22 seats, while Congress failed to secure a single seat in the elections held on February 5.
Kharge stressed that Congress leaders must consistently advocate for public issues over the next five years and work towards establishing the party as the principal opposition force in Delhi.
Criticizing the central government, he accused the prime minister of failing to prevent the humiliation of Indians deported from the USA.
“The prime minister did not resist the imposition of US tariffs on India, which is not only an insult to the country but to all Indians,” Kharge remarked.
