The largest gathering of India's main opposition party will be seen at the two-day convention in Gujarat's largest city, Ahmedabad, starting on Tuesday. After 64 years, the Indian National Congress is holding its convention with top leaders flocking to the city.

Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Sonia Gandhi and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi were among those who arrived for the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting.

Sonia and Rahul, along with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge visited the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to offer floral tributes around 11.30 pm at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial in Shahibaug.

Back in the 1924 Congress session, Mahatma Gandhi was elected as president of the Indian National Congress. As the Congress marks 100 years since Gandhi’s presidency, the party is organising a national convention on the banks of the Sabarmati River in Gujarat, his birthplace. 

More than 2,000 leaders from across the country have arrived in the city for the event. Several political resolutions are expected to be passed during the CWC meeting. All top Congress leaders are expected to visit Gandhi Ashram at 5 pm on Tuesday and participate in a devotional singing session (kirtan).

Will Priyanka Gandhi be given a major role?

The CWC session will discuss decentralisation of power, alliances, and public outreach programmes. The convention has been given the tagline: ‘Nyaypath: Sankalp, Samarpan, Sangharsh’ (Path of Justice: Resolve, Dedication, Struggle).

As per reports, Priyanka may be assigned a more prominent and active role within the party. With assembly elections approaching in six states, she is expected to take on a key responsibility. Currently, she holds the post of general secretary in the Congress, but she has not been given charge of any specific state or department. In the past, she played an important role in Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.

A cultural programme is also scheduled for Tuesday night, featuring performances of garba and tribal dances by artistes, including Mallika Sarabhai. Traditional Gujarati cuisine will be served to all guests. 

Congress leaders speak up ahead of CWC meeting

Party spokesperson Pawan Khera said, “This is a very important and historic meeting...I believe that the only ray of hope left for the country is the Congress party. The entire nation is now looking towards Congress."

MP Shaktisinh Gohil said, “We will have a detailed strategic meeting, and tomorrow, there will be an AICC session. We will share its resolutions with you all. With the spirit of service and dedication, the Congress party will move forward.”

MLA Amit Chavda said, “Today in Gujarat, a new beginning is taking place on the sacred land of Gandhi and Sardar. With a vision, policy, thought, and an agenda rooted in justice, commitment, dedication, and struggle, the Congress Working Committee meeting is set to take place in Ahmedabad.”

(With inputs from syndicated feed)

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