How it happened

Congress is a mass-based organisation despite the erosion of its bases over the last few decades. By virtue of its principles, beliefs, they continue to be mass-based. In this process, they always allow full freedom of expression and liberty in action and expression of views.

This made Congress an open tent without gates and security for anyone from anywhere to enter at will; grow with it; form groups during their stay; herd them together and leave Congress in groups for greener pastures elsewhere. Few set up their own shop with stolen property.

None of the senior leaders who left Congress could play a significant role at the national level. They continued to be regional satraps, group leaders, and power brokers. Their shortsighted approach and indisciplines not only damaged Congress but also our country.

Everyone may cite many reasons to leave Congress. But the truth is, they are driven by sheer opportunism, ambition in search of power, position, perks but definitely not principles. Most of them who floated their own party follow Congress principles minus its democratic character.

This exodus led to Congress losing its base. Gandhi family failed to initiate hard measures. Indira and Rajiv did not have the luxury of settling down to set right these organizational failures. Sonia had her own difficulties. This is the cost they paid for being democratic. 

Now it is said Rahul is incapable of handling the Congress. No one can if they continue to allow indisciplines of any kind under the mask of democracy. Other regional or national parties have limited impact of indiscipline while it is a massive and perennial problem for Congress. 

The scope for corrective action

The scope for the revival of Congress is only in the hands of Rahul. But Rahul should ensure discipline. There is fear, anxiety, negativity about its revival. Whether Rahul can do it? There is no alternative. It is a question of the survival of Congress and democracy in our country.

Gandhi family, Rahul do listen to people. Information definitely flows in through leaders, advisors and various channels of communication. They are aware of the problems. They have to search for solutions to stop indisciplines conclusively. Hard action is required. 

A strong will is needed. Rahul has it. He is not afraid to speak truth against all odds. It is now time to act and save Congress. The corrective action for indiscipline does not necessarily mean surgical strikes. A systemic impartial auto-response system is an option. 

Democracy will not survive if rules, laws are manipulated, misused, flouted with total immunity. This is true for our country and Congress party. The country has many flaws with weak bureaucracy, media, judiciary, and manipulative rulers. But for Congress, it is not too complex to act.

Every nuance, human considerations, reasoning, persuasions can be built into the corrective procedures and mechanism adopted to prevent and stop indiscipline. Shifting blames to high command or others should be plugged. There is ample scope to make it foolproof and impartial.