In 2004, Sonia Gandhi’s challenge against the formidable Atal Bihari Vajpayee captivated the nation, yet the dynamics within Congress have significantly shifted since then. The unveiling of the manifesto, or ‘Nyay Patra’, was marked by optimism, with Rahul Gandhi reminiscing the unexpected victory over Vajpayee’s BJP, a sentiment vigorously echoed by Sonia Gandhi, the strategist behind the 2004 success.
However, the path to 2024 appears more daunting for Congress, not just due to Narendra Modi’s influence but also due to the growing perception of the party’s decline and its control by a select few.
At a key event, the positioning of Congress leaders including President Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and KC Venugopal highlighted the inner circle’s dominance, reinforcing the message of unity and support for Rahul Gandhi’s ‘struggle’. This struggle is mirrored in the manifesto, advocating for a caste census, employment rights, a stringent law against defection, a shift towards bail over jail, scrutinizing electoral bonds, and ensuring the independence of the judiciary, ED, and CBI.
Rahul Gandhi’s journey is centered on “liberating India”, reminiscent of Sonia Gandhi’s 2004 campaign against Vajpayee’s “Shining India”, culminating in the resonant slogan “Congress ka Haath Aam Aadmi ke Saath”. However, the Congress of today is perceived differently from its 2004 counterpart, when Sonia Gandhi’s bold stance against Vajpayee rallied support and admiration from allies, a contrast to the current perception of Congress as weakened by departures, resembling a sinking ship.
The manifesto’s emphasis on immediate disqualification for defections and on adjusting reservation caps suggests Congress’s acknowledgment of its challenges. Rahul Gandhi’s entrance into politics aimed at fostering inclusive politics, valuing merit over lineage or caste, a vision now questioned by some within and outside the party.
Critics argue that Congress’s focus on inclusive development and a return to past strategies might not resonate with modern, liberal perspectives. Furthermore, Congress’s complaints about electoral processes fail to energize its base, underscoring the importance of ground-level workers—a fact well understood by PM Narendra Modi, who actively engages with BJP workers to avoid complacency, setting ambitious targets and emphasizing grassroots strength, a lesson Congress seems to grapple with amidst concerns over the accessibility of its leaders.
