Congress to observe 136th anniversary without Rahul Gandhi

Though Gandhi's attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government have been relentless and bitter, he would remain absent from the foundation day celebrations which the Congress wants to observe through various campaigns in favour of the farm law protests.

“INC has been at the forefront in the efforts to forge a secular, democratic and united India, an India which is a world leader in all fields and has always put India first despite all odds and obstacles. The INC fought for and won India’s independence, forged the constitutional idea of India, built up the nation from one of the poorest (when India gained independence) in the world to a global superpower,” AICC said in its press release. 

Congress was formed on December 28, 1885 with Umesh Chandra Banerjee as its first president of Congress. Its first session was held in then Bombay from December 28 to December 31.

Congress will be observing its anniversary amid growing leadership crisis coupled with electoral setbacks which led to an internal conflict with many senior party leaders writing letters to Sonia Gandhi demanding organisational reforms.

The meeting held on Dec 19 at 10, Janpath Road aimed at resolving the concerns raised by the dissenters so that the leaders could work in close coordination with Rahul Gandhi. In the meeting it was decided that most leaders wanted Rahul Gandhi to become the president of the party, said reports.