Rahul Gandhi's Gujarat visit raises hopes, but workers stay wary

Gandhinagar: While Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sparked some optimism among party workers in Gujarat with his assertive stance during his recent visit, many senior and mid-level workers remain sceptical about the outcome. Gandhi had criticised a significant section of party leaders and workers, accusing them of being aligned with the ruling BJP. "Until we clearly differentiate between genuine Congress workers and those compromised, the people of Gujarat won't trust us. They want an opposition, not a B-team," he said, adding, "My responsibility is to separate these two groups."

However, a Congress functionary, speaking anonymously, noted that while Gandhi's remarks resonated with party workers, he ultimately engaged with the same set of leaders who have been repeatedly responsible for the party's losses over the last two decades. "He met with district presidents, but they are the same group appointed by state leadership - largely inactive at best, or in some cases, dealing with the BJP," the functionary said.