The Congress party is gearing up for the 2024 general election with a crucial meeting of its working committee scheduled for December 21.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has convened the meeting at the All India Congress Committee headquarters, just two days after the INDIA bloc meeting on December 19.
According to PTI, the agenda includes a comprehensive discussion on the political landscape in the country and the party's forward-looking strategy.
Top priorities for the meeting are anticipated to be seat sharing and campaign planning, with a specific emphasis on countering the BJP in the upcoming elections, reportedly.
The gathering is expected to explore the possibility of a yatra led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi before the 2024 polls. The yatra, likely to focus on issues such as unemployment and rising prices, could take the form of an east-to-west journey in a hybrid mode, including on-foot segments.
A final decision on this matter is expected to be reached soon, PTI reported.
Preceding the Congress Working Committee meeting, the leaders of the INDIA bloc parties will convene for their 4th meeting on December 19 at 3 pm in New Delhi.
The main challenges before the opposition coalition include developing a "core positive agenda," strategizing seat sharing, and planning joint rallies.
The theme of unity, encapsulated by "Main Nahin, Hum" (We, Not Me), is expected to be a central focus in countering the ruling party, according to a senior Congress leader. This approach aims to present a united front against the prime minister.
The CWC meeting will also conduct a thorough analysis of the recent assembly poll results, where the Congress faced defeats in the Hindi heartland states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan, while securing victory in Telangana. The reasons for the defeats and the future roadmap for the 2024 polls will be key discussion points, PTI sources added.
With the challenge of formulating an alternative positive agenda to counter the BJP in the upcoming general elections, the Congress recognizes the need to think innovatively and strategically. The meeting assumes critical importance in shaping the party's approach and positioning as it gears up for the electoral battle in 2024.