Ahmedabad: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday stressed the need to filter out party leaders and workers who are aligned with the BJP, warning of strict action, including removals.

Addressing Congress workers on the second day of his Gujarat visit, Gandhi said the party must first distinguish between two groups—those who genuinely uphold the Congress ideology and stand with the public, and those disconnected from the people, "half of whom are with the BJP."

Gandhi’s visit is focused on preparing for the 2027 assembly elections, for which he hinted at a major revamp in the state unit and promised a strong strategy to defeat the BJP.

"There are two types of people in the Gujarat Congress leadership and among workers. Those who are honest with people, fight for them, respect them, and have the ideology of the Congress in their heart. And the others who are cut off from the people, sit far away, do not respect them, and half of whom are with the BJP," he said.

He asserted that separating these groups was the first priority, even if it required strict measures. "Until this is done, the people of Gujarat will not trust us," he added.

Congress needs grassroots connection
Gandhi emphasised that Congress leaders, from district and block presidents to senior figures, must hold the party close to their hearts. "Put aside the issue of winning or losing elections. Once we do that, people will want to join us," he said.

He criticised the condition of Gujarat’s economy, stating that the diamond, textile, and ceramic industries were struggling, while farmers were demanding a new vision. "The vision of the last 20-25 years has failed, and Congress can provide the alternative. But this is not possible unless we filter out those working against the party," he said.

Congress must regain public confidence
Admitting that the party has failed to inspire confidence, Gandhi said, "Gujarat wants to move forward but is unable to see the way ahead, and we are unable to show it the way."

He acknowledged Congress’ three-decade-long absence from power in the state and said that electoral success depended on fulfilling the party’s responsibilities. "The people of Gujarat will not let us win unless we earn their trust. And we should not ask them to give us power until we do," he said.

He pointed out that Gujarat had played a crucial role in shaping Congress, producing leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel. "Without Gandhi, Congress would not have been able to get independence," he added.

Path to electoral success
Gandhi highlighted that Congress needed only a 5 per cent increase in vote share to win in Gujarat, citing Telangana’s example, where the party achieved a 22 per cent rise in vote share.

On Friday, he had met with state party leaders and district and block-level presidents. The upcoming All India Congress Committee (AICC) session will be held in Ahmedabad on April 8-9, marking the first such session in the state in 64 years.

In the 2022 Gujarat assembly elections, Congress secured just 17 out of 182 seats, with its strength later reducing to 12 after five MLAs resigned.

With PTI inputs