After years of strategic planning and political recalibration, the Indian National Congress is poised to reclaim a pivotal role on the national stage.
The Indian National Congress is set to end its hiatus of over sixty years as it hosts the national convention in Ahmedabad on April 8 and 9.
The convention is organised with carefully thought-out seminars. According to reports, the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the party’s top policy-making body, will meet on April 8 at the historic Sardar Smarak in Shahibaug at 11:00 am. A memorial service celebrating Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy will then be held at Sabarmati Ashram at 5:00 pm. At 7:45 pm, a cultural event at the Riverfront Event Centre will mark the end of the day’s schedule and showcase Gujarat’s historical contributions to the Congress movement.
The main convention on April 9 is expected to draw over 3,000 delegates from across the nation, including high-profile Congress leaders such as National President Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, along with various Chief Ministers from Congress-ruled states, state party presidents, and select invitees.
The convention coincides with a number of key historical events, including the centennial of Mahatma Gandhi’s takeover of the Congress presidency and the 150th anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth in 2025. Both events are still remembered as turning points in the party’s ideology during India’s independence movement.
Dr Manish Doshi, Media Convener for the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee, made the announcement.
The occasion marks the first assembly of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in Gujarat since 1961, bringing to the fore the state’s historical significance in the context of the party and the broader Indian independence movement.
Dr Doshi said that convening the AICC in Gujarat is a tribute to the legacies of both Patel and Gandhi, particularly given Patel’s distinction as the first and longest-serving president of the Gujarat Congress.
Gujarat has hosted important Congress sessions in the past, such as the well-known 1938 Haripura session, which was chaired by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and saw the adoption of the “Purna Swaraj” resolution, which called for total self-rule.
Dr Doshi believes this meeting is more than just a political ploy; it is a crucial chance for Gujarat to reaffirm its vision on the national scene. Sincere preparations are underway, demonstrating a strong sense of community and a desire to establish a new course for the state and national Congress scene. For the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee, hosting this convention is seen as a major turning point, especially as it looks to resurrect its political presence in an area that has historically been dominated by the BJP.
All eyes on Moti Shahi Palace
The convention will be held in the over 400-year-old Moti Shahi Palace, a symbol of Mughal grandeur nestled in the heart of Ahmedabad. Built by Shah Jahan between 1618 and 1622, the palace—spread across 36,000 sq m—stands as a testament to India’s rich historical tapestry, with its Mughal-style gardens, fountains, and imposing gateways.
According to reports, a makeshift dome is under construction in one of the palace gardens, while parking arrangements and other logistical preparations are being meticulously supervised by senior Congress leaders. Also as Shahibaug Palace, it has been chosen as one of the two venues for the CWC meeting, with the AICC session set to take place at the Sabarmati Riverfront.
The palace also has a literary significance. According to a report, it inspired Rabindranath Tagore to write several of his works, including Kshudhit Pashaan, during his stay here. The memorial showcases personal artefacts of Sardar Patel, alongside statues of freedom fighters and replicas of historical sites related to India’s independence movement.
As the Congress prepares for this landmark convention, the Moti Shahi Palace stands not just as a venue but as a silent witness to India’s evolving political and cultural history.
