In a swift and rare show of accountability, Shaktisinh Gohil stepped down as Gujarat Congress president just hours after the party failed to win the Kadi and Visavadar bypolls. His resignation, formally submitted to the party high command, reflects a personal acceptance of responsibility for the double defeat.

“I accept full responsibility for not securing either seat,” Gohil candidly told reporters. “Only if we had managed even one seat would my position be different. Instead, I revert to being another committed worker of the Congress.” Emphasising internal party ethos, he added, “The Congress has always upheld moral accountability. I did not wait for direction—I did the right thing.”

Within four hours of his announcement, the Congress appointed Shailesh Parmar, MLA from Danilimda, as the interim state chief. Parmar will serve until a new full-time president is chosen.

Gohil also addressed organizational dynamics within the Gujarat unit, noting that district-level appointments were made through consultations with grassroots workers. “Today’s decisions were not about personal loyalties but about aligning with the vision of a rejuvenated Congress,” he clarified.

Political analysts view Gohil’s resignation as both courageous and strategically sound. Known for his clarity, legal acumen, and ministerial experience, Gohil was the youngest cabinet minister in Gujarat’s history at age 32. Educated in chemistry and law, he has held key portfolios including education, health, and finance (1991–95), and served five terms in the state assembly before moving to the Rajya Sabha in 2020.

His leader’s ability to step aside after electoral losses provides a stark contrast to the norm. The Congress is also reshuffling leadership at district level, with more than 10 former MLAs and a former MP taking active roles as part of its strategy to rebuild ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.