In a major push to revamp its political strategy and internal structure, the Congress on Wednesday, April 9, adopted a resolution targeting the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over its nationalism narrative, communal politics, and foreign policy approach.

The resolution was passed at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) meeting held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat — the BJP's stronghold — and marks a renewed attempt by the party to position itself as a national alternative ahead of crucial state and national elections.

Sharpened Attack on BJP’s Core Ideology

The Congress resolution accused the BJP and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), of promoting “pseudo-nationalism” that divides the country, contrasting it with the Congress’s inclusive and heritage-rooted nationalism.

“The idea of nationalism for Congress is one that binds people together. On the other hand, the pseudo-nationalism of the BJP-RSS [Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh] seeks to divide the society and our people. The BJP-RSS model of nationalism aims to erase India’s diversity. The nationalism espoused by the Congress is deeply embedded in our shared heritage, while that of the BJP-RSS is marred by vitriol and prejudice,” the resolution stated.

The party strongly condemned what it termed a “planned conspiracy” against national icons like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel, and dismissed the BJP’s efforts to claim Patel’s legacy as “laughable.”

Religious Harmony vs. Communal Polarisation

In a pointed shift from previous cautious formulations, the Congress resolution named Muslims and Christians among religious minorities facing attacks under the BJP government.

It accused the ruling party of “actively abetting religious confrontation” for political gain, undermining the Constitution’s core principle of non-discrimination.

“In stark contrast, the BJP government and its affiliates are determined to fracture this core national spirit for ‘political gain’ & ‘lust for power’. They seek to divide, partition and bifurcate – to foster divisions on the ground of religion by pitching Hindu v/s Muslim, to create language divides, to fabricate artificial discord between North India v/s South India or to create caste-based rifts and divisions. The ruling regime actively abets religious confrontation and attacks on minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians,” it said.

The party also condemned the recently passed Waqf Amendment Act, calling it a tool in the BJP’s “polarising strategy,” and highlighted growing insecurity among minority communities.

Criticism of Foreign Policy and Economic Handling

On the foreign policy front, the resolution labelled the Modi government’s approach as “weak-kneed,” especially in its handling of border tensions with China and trade relations with the United States.

The Congress demanded that the government initiate serious negotiations with the US following the imposition of 27% reciprocal tariffs and called for transparency and broader political consultation on foreign policy issues.

At the session, Rahul Gandhi targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence on the tariffs, contrasting it with earlier public camaraderie with US President Donald Trump.

“A financial storm is about to hit India, but the Prime Minister is missing,” Gandhi said, drawing parallels with the government’s initial response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi speaking at the AICC meet on Wednesday.

Organisational Reforms and Internal Messaging

With an eye on strengthening its internal structure, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized the need for accountability and grassroots empowerment. He warned that those not committed to party work “must retire.”

District presidents, Kharge said, will play a key role in candidate selection and will be tasked with building robust booth, block, and district committees within a year of their appointment.

“We have taken inputs from district leaders and will now involve them in key decisions,” he added.

Offering a balancing perspective, Congress MP and Working Committee member Shashi Tharoor cautioned the party against relying solely on criticism.

“A party of the future, not just of the past. A party with positive narratives, not merely criticism. I hope we leave here with a resounding message to the nation: we are here, we will fight, we are determined, we will focus on the future, and we will build a better India for all,” he said, calling for a focus on restoring voter trust and projecting a vision for the future.

He noted that while the party saw gains in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, it suffered setbacks in subsequent state elections and must recalibrate accordingly.

"We must retain and reclaim the support we had in the past but lost over the last three election cycles. This resolution points us in that direction — it is grounded in constructive criticism, not mere unrelenting negativity," he added.

Continuing Demands for Social Justice

Reaffirming its commitment to social justice, the AICC resolution reiterated demands for a nationwide caste census, a legal guarantee on minimum support prices (MSP), and removing the 50% cap on reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.

Rahul Gandhi also alleged that the new Waqf Act was a threat to religious freedom and warned that Christians and Sikhs could soon face similar targeting.

“This fight is not easy. They have financial and institutional power, but we have truth and the people’s love on our side,” he declared.

The resolution signals Congress’s intent to regroup, refocus, and relaunch itself as a credible national force capable of taking on the BJP on issues of identity, governance, and constitutional values.