Congress eyes revival, but internal power dynamics raise questions on true reform

The AICC marathon in Ahmedabad may have sent out a strong signal that the Congress is preparing for a serious comeback, but it could well be stillborn without true inner-party democracy.

 

The party is talking of decentralisation of power throughout the organisation in general and through one specific measure which it tom-tomed at the Gujarat session – by devolving greater responsibilities to district presidents.

 

However, some Congress leaders point out a possible irony.

 

While on one level, the party is planning to see the opinion and strategies from local-level leaders, especially those who are made presidents at the district level, including for ticket distribution before upcoming elections, a statement by a Congress spokesperson, if realised, could well upend all the well-meaning moves.

 

A party spokesperson said, “When a list of new district presidents is made, it will have names recommended by the state unit president of that particular state.”

 

Then it goes to the high command for approval, he adds. "So most of the district presidents would again be close to the state unit heads, who can therefore tell his district presidents to make recommendations in a particular way, which will again give them greater influence on ticket distribution."

 

That could well be back to square one when it comes to any move to progress towards party reforms. Analysts say that the current internal party system (which is weak) could continue if the inner democracy does not prevail for the appointments of local unit heads. 

 

With several top-line leaders having clout within the party to influence decisions in their own favour, from bottom to the top, a political observer said, "The party must genuinely embrace internal democracy by opening all positions—from the highest to the lowest—for elections, without any exceptions."

 

That apart, the resolution adopted in Ahmedabad has sent out a strong signal that the Congress party is preparing itself for a serious political comeback with imaginative politics. The language and intent of the meeting as well as the resolution reflect a renewed sense of purpose, indicating that the party is ready to take decisive steps toward restructuring and re-energising its base, and reclaiming its space in the national political landscape. 

India