Congress, groups and power centric politics

Groups within Congress get active only when the organisational structure is weak as its principles and system got eroded overtime. Congress should revive, restructure, reinforce its strengths but not due to the demands, threats of groups but to fight, overcome their destructive ways.

The advent of a new strain of power politics five decades back introduced the tool of polarisation of people on every visible crack. This changed political dynamics and priorities before the nation. It has to be corrected for the survival of our democracy and also Congress.

Congress is not just a political party but it is a movement which many of the present generations may not be aware of. Congress still represents basic ethos, culture, aspirations of people democratically within the constitutional structure and spirit it created.

Congress should be the nucleus. The formation of groups, subgroups within to build pressure and bargain is against democratic values. Many of the Congress leaders were trapped, afflicted, lured by power politics. Other parties could gain, flourish only by destroying Congress.

Correcting deviations of Congress

If one believes in Congress principles, policies and become its member then they should know that everyone is equal before the organisation to voice their opinion, ideas and make contributions for its growth. It does not become a right to demand power, position for their growth.

The basic human failings of egos, importance, aspirations, parity in power/ position do exist. But it raises to an ugly pitch due to organisational weaknesses, absence of active, failproof, impartial mechanisms for making decisions, solving disputes, enforcing disciplines.

The sad truth is that most of the Congress leaders are suffering from these failings. We cannot send everyone to a ‘correctional course’. Congress is also to share the blame for not correcting its course when the deviations went unnoticed, uncorrected and nearly unmanageable.

It appears difficult on the face of it but not so if one digs deeper. Rahul said: ‘anyone who believes in Congress policies is welcome; those who do not are free to leave’. If so, there is no need for surgical strikes. Rahul is rightly pushing INC back to its root and ideals.

But there is a need for another step. They have to remind all in Congress about the need for adherence to Congress philosophies, principles which many in Congress are not aware of; not serious about it. This correction requires massive effort. Rahul is the right man to do it.

Sensing Rahul’s potential. dimensions

Rahul now draws his power not as a member of the ‘dynasty’ but from family of Congress cadres, supporters and most of its leaders. He is strong-willed; shouldering the cross and hope of all. He is taking the bull by its horns with emphatic, forceful, forthright views.

Rahul undertakes Townhall type interactions with diverse sections of people, Congress youth wing, apart from open intellectual discussions with eminent personalities, educationists, experts. It is possible for him to elevate it to include party cadres, leaders. It is needed.

The direct channels for interactions, discussions with people and party cadres, leaders, supporters in an appropriate format including Townhall type will set the change in Congress. His down to earth messages of truth earns the respect of all. Not many in politics can match Rahul.

Rahul is a person with a difference in comparison to power centric politics. He is frank, simple, straightforward, gentle, warm without any ego or inhibitions. He can easily send messages across to the people and the party. It may cause a transformation that no one can stop.

But it has to happen. Rahul should have more of such interactions. The truth has to be told and retold many times to counter evil designs and to prevent disaster. Congress cadres, supporters, leaders should extend wholehearted support to Rahul to perform his destined role.

Whether dissenting leaders are 20 or 20000, it does not really matter. They have a right to express their opinion. Congress is an ideal platform for them. But Rahul and others also have a right to express their opinion. If dissenters are not reasonable they will get exposed.

The doubters, dissenters, opponents of Rahul are sensing his potentials, dimensions and growing grip over the Congress and his different take to power centric politics of our country. He is reverting to Congress ideals and culture allowing them full play, to move in and out.

There is no question of pleading and bargain. People resorting to blackmail should be ashamed to demand power, position as a right. A person of Rahul’s calibre was needed to stop this nonsense much to the discomfort of dissenters within and those waiting for Congress collapse.

Some may tend to cloth it and cover-up this naked power politics with recognition and appreciation of their merits and services. Recognition is awarded and rewarded not snatched. If they do then they cannot be congressmen. But it is true many in Congress have to learn its basics.