Congress Reclaims Sardar Patel’s Legacy, Counters BJP’s Narrative at Key CWC Meeting in Gujarat

In a firm counter to the BJP’s nationalist narrative, the Congress on Tuesday reaffirmed its ideological claim over the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister. Framing the political battle with the BJP-RSS as an “ideological war,” the party pledged to walk in Patel’s footsteps while also drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.

The statement came through a resolution titled “Flag-bearer of Freedom Movement – Our ‘Sardar’ – Vallabhbhai Patel,” passed at the Extended Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting held in Ahmedabad — the land of both Gandhi and Patel. Party leaders said the symbolic choice of venue underscored their intent to give a “new direction” to India.

Reiterating Patel’s immense contribution to the freedom struggle, the Congress accused the BJP of attempting to “hijack” his legacy as part of a “well-orchestrated conspiracy.” It further alleged that the BJP and RSS have been spreading misinformation about Patel’s relationship with Nehru, stressing that the two leaders shared mutual respect and worked closely — “like two sides of the same coin.”

Framing the confrontation with the BJP in ideological terms, the CWC declared that the ideological foundations of its political path are rooted in the philosophies of Gandhi, Nehru, and Patel.

The extended CWC session, attended by around 35 senior leaders — including CWC members, state unit presidents (PCC chiefs), Congress Legislature Party leaders, and several current and former chief ministers — also focused on strengthening grassroots-level party structures. Discussions emphasized empowering district units with more autonomy.

Two major resolutions — one focusing on national political direction and the other on state-specific issues in Gujarat — were finalized and are set to be adopted during the AICC plenary session on Wednesday.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, along with former party presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, is scheduled to address the AICC session. Party sources indicated that significant organizational reforms are on the agenda, including enhanced powers for District Congress Committees (DCCs) and increased reservation for SCs, STs, and OBCs in party roles, building on the commitments made during the Raipur Resolution.

AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal confirmed that a “massive organisational reshuffle” is in the works. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, he also emphasized that Patel’s values remain central to the party’s commitment to workers’ and farmers’ rights, secularism, and social justice.

“After Bapu’s assassination, Sardar Patel firmly stood against communal forces. He envisioned an India where fundamental rights and freedoms were safeguarded for all. Today, our Nyay Path reflects those very ideals,” Venugopal stated.

Echoing the sentiment, Congress communications head Jairam Ramesh said the decision to hold the CWC meeting in Gujarat itself was a powerful political message. “The resolution clearly states that any claims of discord between Nehru and Patel are deliberate distortions. They were united in their vision for India,” he added.