Amid Congress rumblings, Bhupesh Baghel urges Rahul Gandhi to take over as Party President

Amid internal bickering in Congress, Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel appealed to Wayanad Lok Sabha MP Rahul Gandhi to once again lead party. According to him, Congress party would reach new heights under Rahul Gandhi's "powerful leadership" and help Indians overcome present-day challenges. Recalling contribution of Nehru-Gandhi family in making of modern India, Baghel observed that lakhs of Congress workers have always reposed ir trust in m irrespective of party going through a crisis situation.

Referring to ideological differences expressed by some party leaders, he urged m to maintain unity at this crucial juncture. Chhattisgarh CM claimed that Congress allows a detailed discussion on issues at multiple party forums after which a decision is taken democratically. In his letter to Rahul Gandhi, Baghel listed party's efforts in Gujarat coupled with Congress' success in 2018 Assembly polls in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

He opined that various schemes benefiting poor, farmers, workers, youth, and traders have been introduced in Chhattisgarh under Wayanad MP's "guidance". Moreover, he maintained that Congress president Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul are  only ray of hope to help country recover from current crisis. Sonia Gandhi had taken over as interim president on August 10, 2019, after Rahul Gandhi stepped down from post following Congress party's debacle in 2019 Lok Sabha polls. 

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Demand for reforms

Reportedly, several Congress leaders wrote to Congress president on August 12 calling for sweeping changes in party's functioning. As per suspended Congress spokesperson Sanjay Jha, more than 300 leaders representing all regions and states are signatories to letter. Some of senior leaders who have reportedly signed letter include Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, Manish Tewari, Milind Deora, Mukul Wasnik, Jitin Prasada, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and Prithviraj Chavan. 

Highlighting challenges faced by India, leaders argued that revival of Congress party is a national imperative. y stressed that uncertainly over leadership and drift in party have weakened Congress and demoralized workers. y have allegedly put forth many suggestions such as need for a full-time leadership available at national and state headquarters, conducting elections at all levels including Congress Working Committee and state level, formation of an Independent Election Authority, and institutional leadership mechanism to guide party's revival. 

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