Current phase is the toughest phase Indian National Congress has ever seen since its formation. Party that dominated India for seventy years now struggles for its very existence. Modi-Shah duo often hailed as ‘Chanakyas’ of Indian Politics are certainly giving sleepless nights to the Grand Old Party.
Losing election after election, the party’s stature has been reduced to being a mere regional player a stark contrast to its previous national stature. As Ashish Kulkarni, Rahul Gandhi’s close aide bids adieu to the party, he has made some serious allegations while getting off the wagon. This allegation has spilled the beans over the grave crisis the party is faced with. His resignation later opened the Pandora’s box of troubles and the whispers which used to be heard in the party’s corridors and now the part of national mainstream.
In his letter to Congress’s Vice-President Ashish Kulkarni alleges the problems of nepotism, elitist and anti-Hindu image. He also draws Rahul’s attention to those congress stalwarts that had been calling for Priyanka’s inclusion in more constructive role in congress. Ashish Kulkarni also alleges mismanagement in the party, and its indecisiveness in states like Maharashtra, Assam, Goa, Arunachal and Uttarakhand which led to the defeat in the concerned states, and the party faces the same issues in poll-bound Himachal and Gujarat.
Ashish Kulkarni also casts doubts upon the Congress’s controversial stand on National issues like Kashmir, JNU Anti-India Sloganeering and its disassociation from the principles set by its founding fathers to pander to the left and Kashmiri separatists, acts that have dented its image among the majority Hindus.
He also brings to the notice of VP, the party’s desertion from ground reality and the lack of potential of its old pillars. Lack of discussion on foreign policy, economic issues were also brought to notice of Rahul Gandhi by Kulkarni. He also alleged presence of feudalism in the grand old party.
Ashish Kulkarni’s resignation letter thus strips down the Congress to its bare naked and brings onto the forefront, the ills corroding the party. From the letter, it’s all clear about the internal rift between the Sonia Clan and the Rahul Clan. One can also sense a struggle for power between the Gandhi siblings.
Ever since the General elections of 2014, Party’s stand on various issues has caused more damage to it than Modi-Shah duo ever will. Opposing demonetization, questioning Surgical Strikes, making fun of PM’s foreign trips, supporting the anti-national slogans raised on JNU campus show the lack of intellect in the party and general ignorance about the ground realities. Adding to the crisis are various scams which the party is accused of and the involvement of so many of its senior leaders.
More appalling is the party’s thoughtlessness towards these issues pointed out by journalists, policy makers and well-wishers from time to time. Politically incorrect decisions also have added to the ongoing turmoil, one such act is the nomination of Meira Kumar and Gopal Krishna Gandhi for the post of President and Vice-President respectively, whose only achievements were that they were descendants of Jagjivan Ram and Mahatma Gandhi respectively.
Strange obsession of Congress with the Gandhis is ludicrous. From time to time in every election since 2014, Indians have made it clear that they have utterly rejected the Gandhis. Still then the fascination to project the Gandhi siblings as some ‘saviours’ from ‘communal’ Modi is sheer stupidity. Captain Amarinder Singh won an election without invoking the Gandhis in a tough three-way fight.
The bout of boisterous celebrations after the Rajya Sabha was uncalled for, as it sends a message that the Party is content with a single sear, also Shankersinh Vaghela episode and the alleged abduction of MLA’s during the flood crisis were totally avoidable. Proverbial Ghee in the fire is the bail of Lt. Col Purohit, whose incarceration for 9 Long Years is now perceived has party’s desperate effort to coin the term ‘Hindu Terror’. Senior leader Kapil Sibal’s stand on Triple Talaq issue is viewed as turning back to the ideologies of equality, progressiveness, secularism and liberalism which the Party promotes itself to be a flagbearer of. The fact that he appeared as a legal counsel for AIMPLB is ridiculous. Its disheartening silence on Ram-Mandir issue is a clear message that it is no friend to Hindus.
After Ashish Kulkarni’s strongly worded letter, there is a grave need for introspection and analysis of party’s future course. Congress has surely abandoned its ideals and to revive them is a prerequisite to any electoral win. More over shunning of its rotten apples is a must do. The policy of ‘Unwavering Loyalty to the Gandhis’ should be reviewed.
The current scenario is surely a tough time for Congress. It can now introspect, change and rise like a phoenix or get buried in the pages of History.