Sonia Gandhi meets rebel face Ghulam Nabi Azad after assembly poll debacle

New Delhi: Congress chief Sonia Gandhi had a quiet meeting with senior leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Holi Friday to perhaps gauge the extent of the unhappiness simmering in the rebel camp.

The rebels, also known as G-23 – a group of 23 leaders who demanded organisational change last year – have met twice since the Congress’ humiliating rout in five states last week.

Though dissenters calmed nerves among loyalists that the meetings were held with the full knowledge of Sonia Gandhi, some of the pro-Gandhi camp were very angry with senior leader Kapil Sibal, who had openly attacked the Gandhis two days ago. Sibal said the Gandhis must voluntarily move away from the helm.

The rebels, and a few fresh faces, met twice within 48 hours, last brainstorming session being held on Thursday evening. Both meetings were at Ghulam Nabi Azad’s home.

On Wednesday, these leaders had adopted a resolution that called for “a model of collective and inclusive leadership and decision-making at all levels”.

The resolution also read: “We met to deliberate on the demoralising outcome of the recent results… and the constant exodus of both our workers and leaders… In order to oppose the BJP, it is necessary to strengthen the Congress party. We demand the Congress party initiate dialogue with other likeminded forces to create a platform to pave the way for a credible alternative for 2024 and the next steps in this regard will be announced soon.”

Another disgruntled partyman, former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, met Rahul Gandhi on Thursday. Party sources suggested he apprised the former chief of the G-23’s concerns.