Sonia re-elected CPP leader, speaks of 'decisive measures', praises Rahul Gandhi's leadership

As Congress MPs re-elected her the leader of parliamentary party (CPP), Sonia Gandhi on Saturday said several "decisive measures" were being mulled to strengthen the organisation and lauded Congress president Rahul Gandhi's "fearless leadership".

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh proposed Sonia Gandhi's name which was unanimously approved by all the MPs at a CPP meeting held here in the shadow of leadership crisis after Rahul Gandhi announced his decision to quit as Congress president.

Meeting the newly-elected MPs for the first time, Rahul Gandhi made it clear that the Congress was ready for a fightback and exhorted them to work like "a pride of brave-hearted lions" to protect the country's Constitution and institutions.

The Congress has been on shaky ground after its second successive defeat in Lok Sabha polls. It has 52 members in the 253-member Lok Sabha.

There will be no walkover for the BJP. The MPs have to be to be a "little more aggressive and they may have to shout a little more" as they will get less time in Parliament like the last time, Rahul Gandhi said, asserting that only the Congress can stand against the BJP.

Gandhi had been staying away from meeting party leaders since he offered his resignation even though the CWC rejected it and passed a resolution authorising him to bring structural changes in the party at all levels.

At the CPP meet, the two leaders stressed that the party will vigorously oppose "divisive and regressive actions" of the government.

Sonia Gandhi urged the MPs to play the role of an effective opposition and ensure better coordination and cooperation with like-minded parties in Rajya Sabha. She told the members that the issues they raise in Parliament must resonate in the minds of party workers and with the public.

Sources said the Congress Parliamentary Party authorised the UPA chairperson to pick the party's leader in Lok Sabha.

"In this time of crisis, we must acknowledge the numerous challenges confronting the Congress party. The CWC met a few days ago to deliberate the next steps and the way forward for us. Several decisive measures to strengthen the party are being discussed," she said, while hinting at changes in the Congress
"This time too, we will support progressive and inclusive policies, but oppose the government strongly whenever they undertake divisive and regressive actions."
While thanking 12.3 crore voters who supported the party, Sonia Gandhi said, "Your vote to the Congress party is a vote for safeguarding our Constitution, a vote for economic and social progress, a vote for liberty, and for social justice."