New Delhi: First time since taking over the reins of his party, Rahul Gandhi addressed the ongoing three-day plenary session of the Congress party on Saturday.
Delivering the inaugural address, Rahul Gandhi outlined the challenges facing the party and goals that it aims to achieve in future. He was formally welcomed by Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken.
Seeking to halt the BJP's juggernaut led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi urged the party leaders and workers to works together to revive its fortunes and regain the party's lost glory.
''This is the only symbol (Congress' symbol) that can unite the nation and take it forward,'' Rahul Gandhi said at the Congress Plenary Session.
“The nation is tired and looking for a way out, only Congress can show the way ahead,'' Rahul Gandhi said.
The Congress chief also attacked the Narendra Modi-led BJP government at the Centre over its alleged misrule and cautioned that anger against the ruling party is rising at the moment.
''They (BJP) uses anger, we use love but one thing that I want to say is that this country belongs to everyone and whatever Congress will do will be for the benefit for all,'' Rahul Gandhi said.
He will also later unveil a roadmap for the party in view of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Besides Rahul, UPA chairperson and former party chief Sonia Gandhi will also address the ongoing plenary session which is being held in the national capital.
The three-day plenary session of Congress commenced at the Constitution Club in New Delhi on Friday.
The focus of the conclave is primarily to prepare for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
The meet is being attended by Congress chief ministers, state Congress presidents and Congress legislature party leaders from all states.
Former prime minister Manmohan Singh and former party president Sonia Gandhi are also present.
Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi & Manmohan Singh at #Delhi's Indira Gandhi Stadium for Congress' plenary session. pic.twitter.com/0QtEdWENym
— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2018
During the session, the party is also likely to discuss and adopt two resolutions, one political and the other on jobs and poverty alleviation.
Party leaders will also draft resolutions which will be adopted at the conclave.
The Congress Working Committee members will be picked by the party president on the concluding day of the meet.
The session will ratify Rahul’s appointment as the Congress president on Sunday.
Congress’ plenary this weekend comes in the wake of significant political developments, including efforts by regional parties to meet on a common platform and counter the BJP.
(With Agency inputs)
