Those Who Don’t Fulfil Responsibilities Must Retire from Party Work, Says Congress Chief Kharge in Stern Message
Ahmedabad, Apr 9: In a candid and forceful message to Congress leaders and office-bearers across the country, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday asserted that those who fail to actively contribute to party work should either take a rest or voluntarily retire. The remarks were made during his presidential address at the AICC session held on the banks of the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad, as part of a major organizational introspection and reform initiative.
Kharge underlined the urgent need for accountability, commitment, and organizational discipline within the party, particularly in the lead-up to upcoming electoral challenges. “Those who do not participate in party work must take rest, and those who do not fulfil their responsibilities should step aside. There is no place for non-performers in the Congress party anymore,” he declared, drawing loud applause from attending leaders and grassroots functionaries.
Focusing on the grassroots-level revamp, Kharge announced a significant enhancement in the role of District Congress Committee (DCC) presidents, stating that their selection and responsibilities will now be guided by strict adherence to AICC guidelines, transparency, and merit-based assessments. “The district presidents will play a pivotal role in building and strengthening the party from the booth level upward,” he added.
Kharge elaborated that newly appointed district presidents will be required to form booth, mandal, block, and district committees within one year by inducting the most committed and capable individuals. “This restructuring must be free from bias and favoritism,” he cautioned, reiterating the party’s goal of strengthening its organizational spine.
He revealed that three national-level meetings with district presidents have already been convened, with participation from himself and Rahul Gandhi’s participation, to gather feedback and share direction. Importantly, Kharge announced that district presidents will now have a role in the selection of candidates during elections, marking a decisive shift toward decentralization and inclusivity.
Emphasizing ideological clarity, Kharge reaffirmed that Congress continues to follow the path shown by Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, asserting that the current political struggle mirrors the freedom movement in spirit, if not in context. “Today, we are once again fighting for India’s independence—freedom from injustice, inequality, discrimination, poverty, and communalism. Back then, it was foreign rule. Now, it is our own government that is perpetuating these evils,” he said.
Quoting Sardar Patel, Kharge reminded the gathering that “numbers are meaningless without organization.” He likened an unorganized crowd to scattered threads, stating that only when woven together do they form a fabric of strength, utility, and beauty.
Kharge’s address concluded with a resounding call to action: “This is our second freedom struggle. The enemies are different, but the fight remains the same. And just like before, we will win this battle too!”
