Hailing the Lok Sabha results as the beginning of the revival of the Congress, Venugopal said the atmosphere in the CWC was “entirely different from what it was four months ago”.“There were several attempts to finish Congress, but we stood strong. The BJP has only one agenda: to divide the people. However, the Congress and the INDIA alliance have stood firmly with our narrative and guarantees. … Our leaders, workers are charged up; revival of Congress has begun,” said Venugopal.
The veteran leader said that during the over 3-hour-long discussion, the Lok Sabha results were discussed in detail. He also added that a resolution was passed requesting Rahul Gandhi to take over the leader of opposition post in Lok Sabha.
“All the participants agreed that Rahul should take over the LoP post. During elections we raised the issues of unemployment, price rise, women’s equality and social justice. These issues need to be raised in a greater manners inside Parliament … Rahul is the best person to lead this campaign inside Parliament,” said Venugopal.
“For a better, stronger and more vigilant opposition … those who want to protect the Constitution should feel safe under the leadership of Rahul,” he added.
On a question about whether Rahul had accepted the position, Venugopal said: “He has heard the sentiments of the CWC. Rahul Gandhi told the CWC that he will take a decision very soon.”
On being asked which seat (Rae Bareli or Wayanad) Rahul Gandhi would keep, he said: “This decision has to be taken before June 17 and it will come in 3-4 days.”
On JDU leader KC Tyagi’s reported statement that “Nitish Kumar was offered PM post by INDIA alliance”, Venugopal said: “We don’t have any such information.”
After the CWC meeting, Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said: “We all have appealed to Rahul Gandhi to become the LoP. He is the only person who can face the Prime Minister. And when Rahul Gandhi will stand up, the youth of the country will feel safe.”
