Rahul Gandhi unveils grassroot strategy for Gujarat ahead of 2027 polls

Ahmedabad | Gujarat — In a significant political move, Rahul Gandhi is preparing to spend at least a full day in each assembly constituency of Gujarat, marking a departure from traditional campaign styles. The Congress leader is expected to visit the state two to three times every month, reflecting a renewed focus on grassroots engagement in a state where Congress has long struggled to regain momentum.

Breaking away from convention, Gandhi will not stay in hotels during these tours. Instead, he will be hosted at the homes of district and taluka Congress presidents, sharing meals with local leaders and workers. Party insiders say this approach is designed to send a message of humility, accessibility, and solidarity with the party’s rank-and-file members.

During these visits, Gandhi plans to hold discussions with district and taluka panchayat members, including both winners and defeated candidates, as well as former MLAs. The aim, according to senior Congress functionaries, is to gather firsthand insights into local challenges, organisational weaknesses, and potential opportunities for revival ahead of the 2027 Gujarat Assembly Elections.

The strategy was unveiled during a 10-day training camp in Junagadh, organised under the guidance of the All India Congress Committee (AICC). Addressing district and city Congress presidents, Gandhi emphasised that a constituency-wise program could be finalised by September 18, ensuring a structured and consistent approach to his Gujarat outreach.

“Rahul Gandhi’s decision to spend time in the homes of local leaders instead of hotels shows his seriousness about reconnecting with the grassroots. It is about building trust at the booth level,” said a senior Congress leader who attended the camp.

Congress leaders believe this long-term plan to visit all 182 assembly constituencies by 2027 will strengthen the party’s organisation and voter connect. Political observers note that the BJP, which has maintained a stronghold in Gujarat for decades, is closely monitoring the development.

Whether this grassroots immersion strategy will translate into electoral success remains to be seen. However, Gandhi’s move has already generated discussion in Gujarat’s political circles, setting the stage for an intense build-up to 2027.