Disunited Congress

Even as the Congress put up a united front on Saturday at its Bharat Bachao rally, accusing the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre of undermining the Constitution while claiming to celebrate it, the fault lines were discernible. The timing was perfect to throw the gauntlet at an adversary that has aimed for a Congress-mukt Bharat and being on the back foot obviously is no solution reflected in the call by Sonia Gandhi who exhorted the cadre to come out of their homes and agitate. The realisation has dawned that it is the best time to strike when the popularity of the government seems to have reached a plateau.

But along with the resolve should follow the will to act in unison, set priorities right and exhibit decisiveness. The Delhi rally was seen as a signal about the return of Rahul Gandhi as the party president soon. Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown, and Rahul Gandhi knows it, having taken responsibility for the rout in the Lok Sabha polls. He now has to decide whether he wants the job or not, and then, develop the ability to take the fight to the enemy camp. A galaxy of Congress leaders were present at the rally, including Manmohan Singh, P Chidambaram, Ashok Gehlot, Bhupendra Baghel and young guns Sachin Pilot, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Rajiv Satav. The notable absentees were Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh and MP CM Kamal Nath. While Sonia Gandhi, with her preference for the old guard, has proved herself, Rahul is yet to do so. The new crop of leaders faces stiff resistance from the veterans who retain their hold, Sharad Pawar in Maharashtra being the latest instance.

Perhaps there is a lesson from the BJP that accords the ‘Margdarshak Mandal’ due deference even while sidelining them. In contrast, senior Congress leaders have faced public rebuke. Man-management needs tact. Leaders and workers should agitate within and outside the party for their voice to be heard, but unite in the face of common enemy. The party has forgotten the art of public agitation. To unseat the BJP, it should go back to basics.