Sonia Gandhi, re-elected as the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson on Tuesday, commended the party’s resilience in the recent Lok Sabha elections despite facing a formidable challenge. Speaking after her election, Gandhi acknowledged the strong leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge, noting that under his determined guidance, the party persevered even as many predicted its downfall.
“Many wrote our obituaries, but under the determined leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge we persevered,” she said.
Gandhi highlighted the significant increase in the Congress’ numbers in Parliament, viewing it as a renewed opportunity to re-establish parliamentary democracy in India. She also praised her son Rahul Gandhi for his steadfastness in the face of severe personal and political attacks, crediting his efforts, particularly the Bharat Jodo Yatra and Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, for rejuvenating the party at all levels.
“Rahul deserves special thanks for his tenacity and determination to fight unprecedented personal and political attacks … Bharat Jodo Yatra and Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra were really historic movements which rejuvenated our party at all levels,” she exclaimed.
In her remarks, Sonia Gandhi criticized PM-designate Narendra Modi, asserting that he suffered a political and moral defeat by failing to secure the mandate he sought. She argued that Modi, by losing the mandate, also lost the right to leadership but still plans to be sworn in again.
“PM Modi has lost the mandate he sought and thereby lost the right to leadership as well … Far from taking responsibility for failure, he intends to get himself sworn in again on Sunday,” she said.
Mallikarjun Kharge welcomed Gandhi’s re-election, expressing his respect for her continued service and leadership. Congress leader KC Venugopal echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that her leadership would provide additional energy and strength to the party, ensuring a strong opposition presence in the country.