No democracy can be true to its name if it lacks a strong and viable opposition to take on the government
The Gandhis have to act fast if they desire Congress to be a strong opponent in 2024 general elections
As a concerned citizen of India, the prevailing scenario-political, social and economic-has begun to trouble me. I can understand that the pandemic has impacted the world and can be attributed to ‘act of god’. But the vitiated social environment and the hurtling economy are acts of our very own political masters.
The country's engagement on social media platforms has been immense as people chat, argue and discuss these issues. They vent their frustrations, disgust and ire, and in the end the helplessness of not being heard tires them down. There is nobody who can take it all up on their behalf with the government of the day.
And that’s why any democracy needs not just a strong government but an equally strong opposition too. For the last six years Indian democracy is surviving sans a viable opposition. And the oldest political party should be held answerable for this.
Congress in disarray
After the 2019 general elections, the Congress party has been without a full-time working president. During this period, it has suffered the loss of a state government in Madhya Pradesh and could save Rajasthan more for the tenacity of the players involved rather than any sort of smart political manoeuvring by the party. With the recent CWC session maintaining the status quo of an interim president, the party seems to be in no hurry to get its act together.
Congress leadership- read as Gandhis- are either not reading the mood of the nation correctly, or are genuinely incapable of doing so. How else does one explain their inability to put the government on the mat. How can they confine themselves to inane statements, which sound like government missives, when the entire nation, fed up of the constant venom being spewed by the bhakts, is willing them to rise to the occasion? Why has the Congress limited itself to haranguing with the motor-mouthed spokespersons on television, when they should be engaging directly with the people. They should be drumming up an anti-government sentiment instead of mouthing tepid criticism of issues, which in the current scenario can best be described as secondary.
Strong opposition
A common person does not understand the intricacies of inner party politics. Just as any voter desires a strong government, he also wants a strong opposition to keep the government on track.
With the media brazenly biased, the people are desperate for a leader who will voice their concerns. Someone who is loud enough to be heard and strong enough to take on the government. Unfortunately, Rahul Gandhi falls short of this requirement.
Rahul and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have been nurtured under the watch of two prime ministers. It would be silly to doubt their understanding of the political scenario. But they seem to be having a condescending attitude towards power or maybe they feel that it will ultimately come to them. Then the siblings have to constantly face the dynasty slur too. Their mother Mrs. Sonia Gandhi proved to be a better fighter as she had to save the family legacy. She proved her mettle but fights shy of giving a free hand to her son and daughter.
Formidable foe
The Gandhis need to read the political environment closely. The times of ‘raja-praja’ or ‘mai baap’ sarkar are well past. A leader today should rise from among the masses or at least make it look like he/she is part of them. It requires getting hands and feet dirty in the muddy waters of Indian politics. Though one has to give it to Rahul Gandhi for bearing the brunt of brutal trolls that have caused considerable damage to his image, but then he has to learn to turn it around and give it back. His attacks on the prime minister, often laced with sarcasm, fall flat as they appear personal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a formidable political foe. He has aced the game in terms of social media, optics and oratory. In comparison, Rahul, though much younger is neither a good orator nor has he been able to win over fans through photo opportunities.
For any opposition party the prevalent crisis in the country offers a virtual carte blanch to take on the government. It’s just that Rahul in particular and Congress party in general need to find a will and voice to do so.
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