By D N Singh
Not only undefinable but politics is often unpredictable, especially in India where ups and downs can upset political pundits, opinion polls, and armchair critics alike. In trying to read the outcome and implications of the just concluded plenary session of the Congress at Raipur, a safe harbour statement is necessary and it goes something like this: ‘The party has certainly found a new burst of energy, but don’t mistake intense activity for smart work.’
The BJP’s assorted, loud tribe of supporters never misses a chance to mock Congress Rahul Gandhi, whose dynastic hold over his party remains strong despite the fact that he holds no significant office in the organisation.
The ruling party’s attempts to write him off have been as futile as the Congress party’s own attempts to bounce back since 2014 when Modi stormed to power. A patient, careful look at the Raipur conclave’s content and context suggests some forward movement for the Congress, but far less than it believes it has.
The political furore triggered by the US-based short-seller Hindenburg repor on the Adani group of companies and its perceived special treatment by the Modi government can be considered another shot in the arm for a party looking for agenda items to dislodge the Modi government.
Kharge, to his credit, has been remarkably confident and credible as a leader. He sounds sincere and committed and in a way that commands an elderly respect. The fact that he is a Scheduled Caste (Dalit) leader should in terms of Congress ideology be an asset to the party, but a lot depends on whether he is treated as a figurehead or a mentor for the party that badly needs more than photo opportunities and soundbites.
Beyond Rahul’s long march, the Adani ammunition and the Dalit facelift, the party’s best bet now is its finally acknowledged realism that it is no longer the automatic and natural nucleus of an opposition challenge to the Modi-led BJP.
Bharat Jodo success or Kharge climb up whether can match the Modi charisma as far as identity crisis is concerned. Can Rahul match Modi in the given political climate or create a new image till 2024 is still a question.
