Ahmedabad, September 12, 2026 : Newly appointed Gujarat Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala on Saturday announced that the party will formulate a new policy agenda and vision for Gujarat, aimed at creating what he described as a more powerful, progressive and inclusive state.
Surjewala made the remarks during his first visit to Gujarat after taking charge of the state assignment. He met the state Congress leadership at Rajiv Bhavan in Ahmedabad as the party begins preparations for the 2027 Gujarat Assembly elections.
🏛️ “NEW GUJARAT” AGENDA
Surjewala said Congress leaders have been invited to submit their ideas over the coming days. These suggestions will be consolidated and discussed with the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee president and the Legislature Party leader before a new policy and vision is finalised.
He said the proposed agenda would focus on building a Gujarat that promotes employment, enterprise and economic opportunity, while ensuring greater attention to farmers, workers, youth and economically weaker sections.
🕊️ FOUR-PILLAR MANTRA
Referring to Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Surjewala invoked four principles that he said were rooted in Gujarat’s political and social legacy:
“Satya, Sahas, Sangathan aur Andolan” — Truth, Courage, Organisation and Agitation.
He said Congress intends to use these principles as the foundation for its renewed political campaign and organisational effort.
👨🌾 FARMERS & RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS
The Congress leadership discussed concerns surrounding solar and wind power corridors being developed in Gujarat.
Surjewala said the party supports development of renewable energy but questioned whether such projects could adversely affect agricultural land across more than 20 districts.
He said the party would work on a strategy to ensure that farmers and poorer sections also receive a fair share of the economic benefits generated by such projects.
💎 CONCERNS OF SURAT’S DIAMOND WORKERS
The situation of Surat’s diamond industry and its estimated 12–15 lakh workers was also discussed.
Surjewala questioned the absence of a dedicated welfare board for diamond workers and raised concerns over workers who have lost employment and families facing severe financial distress.
He proposed examining mechanisms through which a welfare board could potentially provide income support to workers who lose their jobs.
The wider diamond industry is also facing challenges linked to lab-grown diamonds, sanctions affecting international trade, raw-diamond imports and declining exports, he said.
🧵 TEXTILE SECTOR & GST
Surjewala also highlighted difficulties faced by Gujarat’s textile industry and questioned the continued taxation of fabric.
He raised the possibility of creating dedicated centres in major textile hubs where businesses could operate under more favourable tax arrangements.
🎓 YOUTH & EXAM PAPER LEAKS
Issues affecting Gujarat’s youth, including examination paper leaks, were also discussed during the meeting.
Surjewala said addressing such concerns would form part of the party’s broader effort to develop an agenda focused on employment, education, entrepreneurship and economic security.
📢 CONGRESS PREPARES FOR 2027
Surjewala said Congress leaders have been given 10 days to submit their suggestions. The party will subsequently compile the proposals and work with its state leadership to formulate a comprehensive policy and political vision for a “New Gujarat.”
The initiative marks an effort by the Gujarat Congress to sharpen its political agenda and strengthen its organisation ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
