Skip to main content

Is it time to call for the Obituary of the Indian National Congress?



Is it time to call for the Obituary of the Indian National Congress?




The Indian National Congress is one of the oldest political parties in India. Although around for decades, it seems that it is bracing towards collapse as we leap on to the next decade beyond 2020.



The results of Bypolls and Assembly elections for everyone to see and understand. Faced with ruthless competition from the ruling Party, the Congress is doddering. Even in States, it has won, like Goa and Karnataka, it lost its MLAs and elected representatives who dumped the Party for greener pastures with the other Party. True, allegations of horse-trading were floated around. But as in Madhya Pradesh, there is clear evidence of Indians favoring turncoats. The BJP hardly won the mandate in Goa, Karnataka, or Madhya Pradesh, but turncoats swung the numbers. 




Questions should be raised about how majorities are being stitched. Similarly, it's interesting to probe that the Congress, one of India's principal political parties, has no sway with its members. The leadership is non-existent. Even alliance decisions, such as which Party to align with, is being taken by a handful of state leaders. For example, in Maharashtra, the local leaders decided to board the Shiv Sena bus to power. Except in smaller States like Punjab, the Party can hardly stand on its own without an alliance with a regional party. Such are the affairs of a hundred-year-old Party who once ruled India with an iron grip.




Indeed if we do a cursory look at the top leadership, the people running the Party, there is hardly a name you could classify as an election warhorse or a mass leader. Most of the leaders have lost plenty of elections, are not ranked high for their oratory skills, or are known for their administrative acumen. As the heir apparent himself, Mr. Gandhi has no administrative experience and has lost the recent election from Amethi's safe family seat. The Party's continuous downfall and the diminishing vote shares in almost every other polls should worry. 




It's true that the Indian media and even social media are heavily biased. We all read the WSJ report on how Facebook's senior employees advocated for Congress's main competitors. These kinds of situations ensure media blackout of many events and press conferences of the Congress party. The media ridicule it bears further drowns its voice. But that shouldn't mean that the Party stops trying. It has almost given up. The region where it is doing good is because of local leaders trying to protect their turf. Like in Haryana, they take their own decisions, do whatever they please, and the Party reaps the benefit of their local leaders' fight for their political survival. They are not necessarily thinking about the party ideology but their survival, and in few cases of the dynasty, they wish to erect. 



Which brings me back to the big question about the relevance of the Grand Old Party of India. Is it now defunct, giving way to so many offshoots ( the regional parties running the show in their regions) and with a large number of its members ditching it in times that are probably the worst for the Party since its inception?



Let me know your comments in the section below. Thank you for reading.

Comments

Also read

Cutting people off isn’t strength—It is a trauma response

Your ability to cut people off and self-isolate is not a skill you should be proud of—It is a trauma response Cutting people off and self-isolating may feel like a protective shield, but it is often rooted in unresolved or unhealed trauma and an inability to depend on others. While these behaviors seem like self-preservation, they end up reinforcing isolation and blocking meaningful connections. Confronting these patterns, seeking therapy, and nurturing supportive relationships can help break this unhealthy cycle. Plus, a simple act like planting a jasmine plant can symbolise the start of your journey towards emotional healing. Why do we cut people off and isolate? If you’re someone who prides themselves on “cutting people off” or keeping a tight circle, you might believe it’s a skill—a way to protect yourself from betrayal, hurt, or unnecessary drama. I get it. I’ve been there, too. But here’s the thing: this ability to isolate yourself is not as empowering as it may seem. In fact, i...

Vastu & karma: Can spaces carry energetic debt?

Ever walked into a room and felt an inexplicable heaviness? According to vastu shastra, our living spaces can absorb and reflect our karmic energies. This article explores the connection between vastu and karma, signs of negative energy in your home, and practical steps to cleanse and harmonize your space. What is vastu shastra and how does it relate to karma? Vastu Shastra, often referred to as the "science of architecture," is an ancient Indian system that outlines principles for designing and organizing spaces to promote harmony and prosperity. Rooted in the belief that the physical environment significantly influences our lives, Vastu emphasizes the balance of the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space—to create a conducive living atmosphere. Karma, on the other hand, is a fundamental concept in Indian philosophy that denotes the law of cause and effect. It suggests that our actions, intentions, and thoughts have consequences that shape our present and f...

Why you are still stuck: The spiritual reason you are not moving forward

Ever feel like you are doing everything right, yet progress eludes you? This article explores the unseen spiritual and energetic barriers like karmic loops and emotional blocks that may be hindering your growth. Learn to identify these hidden obstacles and explore practical methods to release them, paving the way for genuine transformation and forward momentum. Why do you feel stuck despite doing everything right? You've followed the prescribed path: education, career, relationships. Yet, an unshakable feeling of stagnation lingers. This paradox is more common than you might think. Are you mistaking busyness for progress? In our fast-paced world, being busy is often equated with being productive. However, constant activity doesn't necessarily mean you're moving forward. It's possible to be caught in a cycle of tasks that keep you occupied but don't contribute to your personal growth. Could emotional baggage be weighing you down? Unresolved emotions from pas...