Putting an end to all speculation, Congress has authorised its president, Mallikarjun Kharge, to nominate the members of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) during its 3-day 85th Plenary Session in Raipur.
The decision was taken during the two-and-a-half-hour-long Steering Committee meeting on the first day of the Plenary Session.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh later said, “For over two and a half hours in the morning, the committee discussed the CWC.”
“All the members unanimously decided to vest the right to nominate the members for the CWC with party president Mallikarjun Kharge,” he added.
The Congress said that about 45 leaders spoke on the CWC election issue, and a consensus was reached. Ramesh said they are confident that all delegates will support the unanimous decision.
Discussing the topics discussed at the steering committee, Ramesh said, “Amendments to 16 articles and 32 rules were proposed, which include the topics of reservation and women’s empowerment and their participation within the party.”
Ramesh pointed out that the most important amendment that will be discussed in the plenary will be for the inclusion of Dalits, tribals, OBCs, youths and women in the CWC through a constitutional amendment.
He further said that these provisions will be discussed and approved by the subject committees on Friday evening, following which they will be deliberated upon in the plenary session.
Over 15,000 delegates have gathered in Raipur for the three-day plenary for discussions on the country’s political situation, economy, foreign policy, agriculture, employment, social justice, etc. The meeting is expected to set the tone for the Congress’ campaign for the general election in 2024.
“All former prime ministers of the Congress party and former presidents will be given representation in the Working Committee,” he said.
Earlier in the day, in his inaugural address at the Plenary Session, Kharge urged the steering committee members to freely express themselves and take a collective call. “Whatever decision you take, that will be my decision and the decision of everyone,” he said.
Kharge said the session is being held when democracy and the Constitution are under threat and institutions are facing a crisis. He added that political activities were under scrutiny.
The Plenary Session is being held weeks after the conclusion of Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, the party’s biggest public outreach in decades.
Kharge said the Bharat Jodo Yatra raised awareness about inflation, unemployment, and economic issues. He urged party members to maintain the enthusiasm it generated.
Meanwhile, former Congress presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, who stayed away from the party’s steering committee meeting earlier this morning, arrived in Raipur around 2.30 pm.
Even Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had stayed away from the Steering Committee meeting.