The background paper to “strengthen” the Congress — under discussion down the party hierarchy — clearly identifies party vice-president Rahul Gandhi as a “natural icon to rally progressive and liberal forces,” and reiterates socialism, inclusive democracy, secularism, equality and social justice as “articles of faith” for the grand old party.
The paper — prepared after Mr. Gandhi conducted a series of consultative meetings with party leaders and people from all walks of life in small groups following the Lok Sabha poll debacle — was sent by Congress president Sonia Gandhi to all Pradesh Congress Committees on December 28 with instructions to organise group discussions at the State and the district levels on three core areas: party ideology, organisational reforms and the way forward.
On the ideological front, the note says that “at a time when the ruling dispensation is thriving on divisive politics, the Congress-led counter narrative is needed for the integrity, unity and security of the country” and “an uncompromising pursuit of harmony among all sections of society..., as enshrined in the Constitution of India, shall distinguish the Congress from other parties.”
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Asserting that the Congress is the “only socially liberal political party in the country,” the note makes out a case for the party taking up all “progressive issues including but not limited to secularism or welfare for the poor.”
It also calls for developing a clear vision for “holistic economic development of society to address the immediate, short-term and long-term challenges facing the country.”