Rajendra Pal Gautam, the newly appointed Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge, on Thursday declared that the party would win the state assembly elections in 2027 and subsequently make Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister in 2029. He made the statement while addressing party workers in Lucknow, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party of spreading hatred against Dalits, backward classes, and minorities.
Congress Strategy for 2027 Victory
Gautam outlined a detailed plan to strengthen the Congress organization in Uttar Pradesh, focusing on grassroots outreach and coalition-building. He said the party would work to eliminate social divisions created by the BJP's policies. "The BJP has been dividing people on caste and communal lines for years. We will counter this by uniting all sections of society under the Congress banner," he added.
Rahul Gandhi as PM Candidate
Gautam reiterated that Rahul Gandhi would be the party's prime ministerial candidate for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. He claimed that the Congress's performance in recent state elections and bypolls indicated a growing public disillusionment with the BJP-led central government. "The people of India are tired of unemployment, inflation, and divisive politics. Rahul Gandhi represents hope and change," he said.
BJP Accused of Hatred
The Congress leader alleged that the BJP government at the center had systematically targeted Dalits, OBCs, and minorities through its policies and rhetoric. He cited incidents of violence against these communities and the government's failure to address economic disparities. "The BJP's politics of hatred will not succeed in Uttar Pradesh. The Congress will restore dignity and rights to every citizen," Gautam asserted.
Organizational Overhaul
Gautam announced a series of organizational changes, including the formation of district-level committees and a youth outreach program. He said the Congress would launch a statewide campaign against unemployment and price rise, which he described as the biggest concerns for voters. "We will connect with farmers, youth, and women through focused initiatives," he stated.
Reactions from Political Rivals
The BJP dismissed Gautam's claims as wishful thinking. State BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi said, "The Congress has been reduced to a non-entity in Uttar Pradesh. Their dream of winning in 2027 is a fantasy." The Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party also criticized the Congress, accusing it of overestimating its own strength.
Road Ahead for Congress in UP
Political analysts note that the Congress has not won a significant number of seats in Uttar Pradesh since 2012. The party's vote share has declined steadily, and it faces tough competition from the ruling BJP, SP, and BSP. However, Gautam's appointment signals the Congress high command's intent to revive the party in the state ahead of the 2027 assembly polls.
