Top Congress leaders met on Wednesday (August 19) in New Delhi at a key Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting to devise political strategy on a varied
range of issues, including Vande Mataram row, student-related concerns, and alleged irregularities in Ram temple donations. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge chaired the meeting held at the INdira Bhawan. Other prominent leaders who attended the meeting are Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and the chief ministers of the Congress-ruled states.
Congress To Stick To 1937 Resolution On Vande Mataram
The Congress CWC decided to abide by the 1937 resolution of its highest decision-making body on Vande Mataram, saying only two stanzas of the National Song would be sung at all party events henceforth.The Congress decision came after the BJP accused its leaders of insulting Vande Mataram by not singing the full version at party events.
Four key issues discussed in the Congress Working Committee meeting:
1. Paper Leaks:
• The CWC noted the students’ agitation and the Modi government’s response.
• Opposition cornered govt in Parliament.
• Chhatron Ki Goonj to continue in 800+ cities.
2. Chanda Chori: We… pic.twitter.com/feuZYj4JFC— Congress (@INCIndia) August 19, 2026
Addressing a press conference after the over-four-hour meeting of the CWC, Congress general secretary K C Venugopal said the party's stand is very clear, and it stands behind the decision of its top leadership in 1937.
"There is no confusion on that. Congress president categorically said so yesterday in Goa. Today we also discussed the issue in the meeting of the CWC. Our stand is very clear that the 1937 resolution decided in which Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Rabindranath Tagore, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Sardar Patel - the top-most leadership of the party at that point of time—were present," Venugopal said.
"Whatever the decision they took, we have decided that. We are very clear that our Congress party workers will do that only. This is our decision," he told reporters.
Targeting the BJP, Venugopal said, Vande Mataram is a political matter for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Meanwhile, BJP National President Nitin Nabin hit out at the COngress regarding the grand old party's decision to stick to playing only the first two stanzas of the 'Vande Mataram' at party programmes. He accused the Congress of turning the "insult" to the national song into an official party position, calling it the "new Muslim League".
Congress's Student Outreach Program:
The Congress CWC voiced concern over student protests triggered by recurring examination paper leaks and shortcomings in the education system. It also lauded Rahul Gandhi’s efforts to engage with students through initiatives such as the “Chhatron Ki Goonj” programme.
CWC की बैठक में आज ये फैसला लिया गया है 👇
• देश के करीब 800 शहरों में 'छात्रों की गूंज' कार्यक्रम होगा और नेता विपक्ष श्री राहुल गांधी कई शहरों के कार्यक्रमों में शामिल होंगे
• कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष श्री मल्लिकार्जुन खरगे और नेता विपक्ष श्री राहुल गांधी ने चारों मुख्यमंत्रियों… pic.twitter.com/ABUsZ6FxkB— Congress (@INCIndia) August 19, 2026
The party plans to expand similar outreach events to 800 cities nationwide, with Rahul Gandhi likely to attend several programmes. Congress-ruled states have been directed to develop comprehensive education and examination reform plans within a month after holding consultations with students and other key stakeholders.
Ram Temple Donation Row:
The CWC also resolved to step up the Congress campaign over the alleged “Chanda Chori” (donation theft) issue at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. State-level party units have been instructed to expand the campaign and take it down to the village level.
"Everybody knows that Ram Mandir chanda chori is not only an issue concerning the Ram Mandir now. It has become an issue of the sentiments of the people. Those who are spreading religion to polarise the people, those who are using the Ram Mandir to polarise the people, are now totally exposed," Venugopal said in a press conference.
On Delimitation:
The Congress reiterated its call to retain the Lok Sabha’s existing strength of 543 seats for the next 25 years, while introducing 33% reservation for women within the current framework."On delimitation, Congress feels Lok Sabha strength should be fixed at 543 for next 25 yrs. Govt should implement 33 per cent women's reservation on present strength of the Lok Sabha," Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said.
Congress on 'Shudhikaran' Incident
The CWC strongly criticised the “shuddhikaran” carried out at the Haldwani venue after Mallikarjun Kharge’s speech and sought an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The incident that took place in Haldwani after Congress President Shri @kharge's meeting is totally unacceptable and condemnable.
The Prime Minister is maintaining silence on this matter, while BJP leaders continue to attack Kharge ji day after day. This clearly reflects the… pic.twitter.com/3V3hIey21P— Congress (@INCIndia) August 19, 2026
The panel also took stock of the ongoing “Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan”, aimed at strengthening the Congress organisation from the booth level up to the state level by October 31.
