https://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/the-leadership-vacuum-in-congress-a-crisis-india-cannot-afford/3697226/

The Leadership Vacuum in Congress: A Crisis India Cannot Afford

Under Modi's rule, India faces a decline in economic, social, and democratic health, with BJP's dominance partly due to the Congress Party's leadership crisis and the weakening of opposition.

India finds itself at a critical juncture. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rule, the country has experienced a worrying decline across multiple parameters – economic, social, and geopolitical. The economy is often run on optics and newspaper headlines, masking deeper structural problems. Democratic institutions have been systematically undermined, eroding the nation’s foundational ethos as a vibrant democracy. Yet, the ruling BJP’s dominance is not just a reflection of its own strengths – it is equally a product of the glaring vacuum in the opposition, most notably the Congress Party’s leadership crisis.

A Toothless Opposition

For a democracy to thrive, a robust opposition is essential. The Congress Party, historically the backbone of India’s political system, is uniquely positioned to challenge the BJP, given its national footprint and legacy. However, its current leadership, headed by Rahul Gandhi, has repeatedly failed to inspire confidence or deliver results. Under his stewardship, the party has faced three consecutive general election defeats (by humongous margins) and numerous state-level setbacks. Constituencies and states once considered bastions of Congress have been lost, eroding the party’s credibility as a viable alternative.

The question of “if not Modi, then who?” gains traction largely because of Rahul Gandhi’s perceived incompetence. His inability to articulate a coherent vision for the nation, coupled with a lack of political acumen, has rendered him an easy target for the BJP’s relentless propaganda machine. To many, he symbolises everything that is wrong with the Congress – a party mired in complacency and nepotism, unable to adapt to the rapidly changing political landscape. 

In a democracy, a political leader is only as good as their ability to win elections. On that front, Rahul has been a failure of epic proportions – his trajectory has headed decisively south (pun intended), and he insists on dragging the party down with him!

A Hollow Spectacle!

Prime Minister Modi’s governance style has been characterised by grandstanding and populism, often devoid of substantive policy outcomes. His promises of economic transformation have largely failed to materialize, with key sectors like manufacturing and agriculture struggling. Foreign policy, once a strength for India, has been reduced to photo ops and performative diplomacy. Domestically, social cohesion has been undermined by divisive politics and democratic institutions have been hollowed out under the weight of centralised power.

Yet, Modi remains electorally invincible. This is not because of his achievements but because the opposition has failed to present a credible alternative. His “strongman” image thrives in the absence of a leader capable of challenging his narrative. The Congress leadership, particularly Rahul Gandhi, has inadvertently enabled this dominance by failing to connect with the voters, or craft a compelling narrative, or even organise a strong grassroots movement.

The Stakes for India

The consequences of this leadership vacuum are dire. The BJP’s unchecked power has led to a concentration of wealth and influence in the hands of a few, pushing the nation closer to an oligarchy. Critical issues such as unemployment, inflation, and declining educational standards are swept under the carpet in favour of polarising debates that serve the ruling party’s agenda. In foreign relations, India’s standing has diminished, with neighbouring countries increasingly aligning with rival powers.

The Congress Party remains the only opposition force with the infrastructure and legacy to challenge the BJP on a national scale. Regional parties, while influential in their own domains, lack the reach and resources to take on the BJP’s electoral machinery.

However, the fact remains that for the Congress party to fulfil this role, it must first address the elephant in the room – its leadership crisis.

·        The Congress must recognise that Rahul Gandhi, regardless of any good intentions he may possess, has failed to resonate with the electorate.

·        A leadership change, prioritising merit over dynasty, is not just essential, it seems vital for the party’s very survival. The Congress party desperately needs a leader who can inspire confidence, build alliances, and connect with voters at the grassroots level.

·        The Congress must rebuild its organisational structure, empowering local leaders and decentralising decision-making. A strong, united front at the state level is critical to challenging the BJP’s dominance.

·        The party must articulate a clear, alternative vision for India – one that addresses economic disparities, restores democratic institutions, and promotes social harmony. Vague rhetoric will not suffice; what is  needed and what the electorate demands are specific, actionable plans.

·        Given the BJP’s electoral might, the Congress must work with regional parties to form a united opposition. Collaborative strategies, rather than internal rivalries, are key to countering the BJP juggernaut.

India’s current trajectory – marked by economic stagnation, social discord, and democratic backsliding – is unsustainable. While the BJP bears significant responsibility for this state of affairs, the Congress Party’s leadership crisis is equally to blame. In the absence of a strong opposition, the BJP has been allowed to consolidate power and steer the nation away from its democratic ideals.

For India’s sake, it is imperative that the Congress rises to the occasion. It must recognise the scale of the crisis and undertake bold reforms to reclaim its position as the principal opposition force. The stakes are not just political but existential, not only for them but for the nation’s future itself. Without a credible alternative to Modi’s BJP, India risks losing the essence of what once made it a thriving, pluralistic democracy.