Sonia Gandhi will convene a meeting of General Body meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) on January 2 to discuss the remaining course of action within Parliament scheduled till January 8 and also deliberate upon issues related to General elections 2019, the alliance partners and other strategy for the party ahead. The grand old party also observed its 134th Foundation Day with Rahul Gandhi hoisting the party’s flag at its headquarters on Friday.
Sources said that CPP meeting will be presided as Sonia as she continues to be head of CPP after stepping down as Party president last year which was taken over by Rahul Gandhi.
A Congress MP said that though he was not aware of the agenda of the CPP, but assumed that Rahul Gandhi’s success in the recent concluded assembly polls may be discussed and the new chart of action for the Lok Sabha polls. A decision to reached out to “like-minded parties” to defeat the BJP in the next general election could also be discussed.
In her last year CPP address this year, Sonia had said that the party needs to ready itself for the challenge. “I will work with the Congress president (Rahul Gandhi) and other colleagues in discussions with like-minded political parties to ensure that in the next election the BJP is defeated and India is restored to a democratic, inclusive, secular, tolerant and economically progressive path,” she had said in February 2018.
Celebrating the foundation day on Friday, the party stated it will continue to fight the propagators of hate with peace, unity and love. On the occasion, Rahul Gandhi acknowledged the selfless service and contribution of leaders and workers in building the party.
The event was attended by senior party leaders, including former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and former defence minister AK Antony.
Top party leaders Ahmed Patel, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Motilal Vora and Kapil Sibal were also present on the occasion during which a cake was also cut.
“On Congress Foundation Day let us celebrate and acknowledge the selfless service and contributions of millions of Congress workers, men and women, who have helped build and sustain the Congress party over the ages. We owe these unsung heroes our gratitude and respect. I salute them all,” Rahul Gandhi said.