In a recent address to the Congress parliamentary party, re-elected Chief Sonia Gandhi acknowledged the remarkable comeback of the Congress party, which many had prematurely written off.
Gandhi praised the newly elected MPs for their resilience in what she described as a tough election battle under challenging circumstances.
"I am deeply conscious of the great responsibility all of you have placed on me yet again," she began, extending congratulations to the newly elected Lok Sabha MPs. She commended their effective campaigning despite numerous obstacles, which resulted in a significant increase in Congress's parliamentary presence.
The party won 99 seats, a substantial rise from the 52 it secured in 2019. This improvement, she noted, would enhance the party's influence in parliamentary proceedings.
Gandhi detailed the adversities faced by the Congress, including financial constraints and defamatory campaigns orchestrated by their opposition, which she described as "a mighty and malevolent machine." Despite these challenges, she attributed the party's perseverance to the determined leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge, praising his extraordinary commitment to the party's ideology and organization.
Highlighting the pivotal role of Rahul Gandhi's yatras, Sonia Gandhi noted that the Bharat Jodo Yatra and the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra were historic movements that rejuvenated the party. She expressed special thanks to Rahul for his tenacity and for shaping the party's narrative on constitutional guarantees. She also acknowledged the impact of their emphasis on constitutional values during the campaigns, suggesting it influenced the Prime Minister to show respect for the Constitution.
Sonia Gandhi extended gratitude to Congress workers across the nation for their collective efforts in the campaign and recognized the contributions of candidates who, despite not winning, fought valiantly and brought pride to the party.
Looking ahead, Gandhi emphasized the need for vigilance against increasing polarization and the erosion of secular and democratic values. She stressed the opportunity to restore parliamentary politics to their rightful place and the importance of continuing to pursue economic and social justice.