Congress Adhiveshan 2025: Battle for Revival Begins

Congress Gathers at Sabarmati, Seeking a Political Resurrection

The Indian National Congress, battling relevance in the Modi era, convened its 84th National Adhiveshan (Convention) on the banks of the historic Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This two-day event, marked by soul-searching and strategic declarations, comes amid growing frustration within the party over its diminishing impact in national politics.

Hopes Rekindled Where Giants Once Walked

Historically a cradle of national awakening, Gujarat gave India legends like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Dadabhai Naoroji. It’s no coincidence that Congress chose Ahmedabad—a symbolic and strategic battlefield—to relaunch its ideological war. Party leaders hope the land that gave them their fiercest warriors may once again yield a miracle.

H2: Congress Declares ‘Second Freedom Struggle’

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge declared that the party is waging a “Second War of Independence”, not against colonial powers, but against the "divisive ideology of the BJP and RSS". Drawing parallels with the British era, Kharge emphasized Congress’s legacy of fighting tyranny, calling upon party workers to reclaim their nationalist roots and rekindle public trust.

Three Major Resolutions Passed

The ‘Nyaypath Adhiveshan’ culminated in the passage of three key resolutions aimed at social justice and constitutional safeguards:

Removal of the 50% Cap on Reservation through a national legislation.
Statutory Backing to the SC/ST Sub-Plan, ensuring budget allocations match population share.
Enforcement of Reservation in Private Educational Institutions under Article 15(5).

Reclaiming the Legacy—Sardar Patel in Focus

For the first time in decades, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel shared equal space with Nehru and Gandhi on the main stage. Congress passed a resolution to celebrate Patel’s 150th birth anniversary on October 31 and gifted a biography titled ‘Patel: A Life’ to all AICC members—signaling a strong intent to reclaim Patel's legacy, which many believe has been politically "appropriated" by the BJP.

The Battle of Perception Still Haunts Congress

Despite being cleared in courts, Congress still bears the stigma of UPA-era corruption scandals. BJP’s consistent narrative, leveraging past allegations, continues to influence public perception. Kharge dismissed claims that Nehru-Gandhi governments neglected national icons, accusing BJP of distorting history for political gain.

Rahul Gandhi Targets Gujarat Again

Speaking at the convention, Rahul Gandhi reiterated that the Congress alone has the ideological spine to counter BJP and RSS. His statement wasn’t just rhetorical—he backed it with past performance. In 2017, Congress stunned political analysts by winning 77 of 182 seats in Gujarat, reducing BJP’s tally to double digits for the first time in decades.

No Counter Yet to the Modi-Shah Machinery

More than a decade into Narendra Modi's national leadership and Amit Shah’s strategic dominance, Congress is still searching for a winning formula. Its leadership vacuum and lack of grassroots mobilization have compounded the crisis. Many believe that choosing Sabarmati for this convention is a direct attempt to draw strength from its historic significance.

Will the Congress Revival Begin from Gujarat Again?

Congress now pins its hopes on ideological clarity, social justice, and symbolic resurgence. By holding its convention in Gujarat, where it once reigned supreme and where BJP now holds fort, the party seeks a renaissance. Whether this gamble pays off will be determined in the upcoming state and general elections.

But for now, Congress believes—"Loha hi lohe ko kaat sakta hai"—it will take Gujarat, the BJP’s birthplace, to begin the end of BJP’s stronghold.

Conclusion: A Convention of Symbolism and Strategy

Congress’s 84th Adhiveshan wasn’t just another political meet—it was a signal to its cadres and the nation. That the battle isn’t over. That the legacy of Gandhi, Nehru, and Patel is still alive. That Congress still dreams of leading the nation—not just as an opposition, but as a formidable alternative.

Time will tell whether this new narrative will reshape its political fortunes. But one thing is clear: Congress is back in the arena, and it’s ready to fight.