By Ashish Kurl
Pachmarhi: Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, makes his first visit to Pachmarhi to attend the training session of newly elected District Congress Presidents, where he receives a warm and enthusiastic welcome from party leaders and local residents of the hill station known for its natural charm and colonial heritage. His helicopter arrives nearly an hour ahead of his scheduled programme, yet the reception remains spirited, reflecting the anticipation surrounding his presence.
The primary purpose of his visit is to boost morale and provide motivational guidance to the new district-level leadership and party cadres from across Madhya Pradesh. In his address to the participants, Gandhi stresses that the essence of public life lies in serving the common people with sincerity and compassion. “Fighting for the cause of ordinary citizens is an act of humanity,” he remarks, urging leaders to remain grounded, accessible, and fearless in raising issues that affect everyday lives. He emphasises equality and justice as the foundation of political engagement and instructs district presidents to stay connected to the public without any discrimination or hierarchy.
Gandhi also takes part in the ongoing training activities, interacting informally with participants to understand their perspectives and challenges. Before his arrival in Pachmarhi, he expresses a personal wish to meet the families of the district presidents. Later in the evening, he sits with them individually, listens to their experiences, and shares dinner with them in a relaxed setting, which is widely appreciated by the participants as a gesture of warmth and respect.
According to party sources, the discussions during the day cover key organisational matters, including strengthening internal structures, developing a coherent political strategy for upcoming electoral battles, and enhancing the Congress party’s visibility and active presence across the state. The meeting is described as a strategic exercise ahead of the broader training session scheduled for Sunday.
Several senior party figures join Gandhi during his interactions, including former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh, Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari, former minister Mukesh Nayak, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Umang Singhar, former Union Minister Arun Yadav, former minister Kamleshwar Patel, former Leader of the Opposition Dr Govind Singh, former Union Minister Kantilal Bhuria, and senior leader Ashok Singh.
During the closed-door discussions, Gandhi seeks feedback on the current political atmosphere in Madhya Pradesh and confers with leaders on practical steps to fortify grassroots organisational networks. The tone of the visit remains forward-looking, with the Congress leadership hopeful of revitalising its presence across the state through strengthened local engagement and collective coordination.
