New Delhi, March 8, 2025 — In a decisive move to uphold party integrity, Indian National Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has called for the expulsion of certain Gujarat Congress leaders allegedly collaborating with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Gandhi emphasized that such actions undermine the party’s core values and cannot be tolerated.
This development follows a series of defections that have weakened the Congress’s position in Gujarat. Notably, Hardik Patel, once a prominent Congress figure and the party’s working president in Gujarat, resigned in May 2022, expressing dissatisfaction with the party’s direction. He subsequently joined the BJP in June 2022 and secured a victory in the 2022 Gujarat Legislative Assembly election from the Viramgam constituency.
The Congress party has faced significant challenges in Gujarat, with internal dissent and defections impacting its electoral performance. In the 2022 Gujarat Legislative Assembly election, the party struggled to maintain its foothold, further exacerbated by internal rifts and leaders switching allegiances.
Gandhi’s recent call for expulsion underscores the party’s intent to address internal issues and reinforce discipline among its ranks. By taking a firm stance against those allegedly aligning with rival parties, the Congress aims to rebuild its organizational strength and restore public trust.
As the political landscape in Gujarat continues to evolve, the Congress party’s actions in response to these internal challenges will be pivotal in determining its future trajectory in the state. Observers note that decisive measures against indiscipline could bolster the party’s image and electoral prospects in upcoming elections.
The BJP, on the other hand, has been consolidating its position in Gujarat, capitalizing on the Congress’s internal strife. The ruling party’s strategic moves and successful induction of influential leaders like Hardik Patel have further strengthened its dominance in the state.
Gandhi’s call to expel leaders allegedly collaborating with the BJP reflects a broader strategy to cleanse the party of elements that could hinder its revival. The coming months will be crucial for the Congress as it seeks to implement these measures and prepare for future electoral battles in Gujarat and beyond
