Narendra Modi’s confident approach and Rahul Gandhi’s missteps leave Congress struggling to mount an effective opposition.
New Delhi: The first week of the full-fledged Budget Session of the 18th Lok Sabha was entirely in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s favour. Unlike the previous two sessions, where the opposition was vocal, this time the Congress seemed defensive and lacked any significant presence in both Houses.
The remarks made by former Congress president Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul Gandhi on President Droupadi Murmu’s address backfired on the party. Sonia Gandhi called the President “weak,” while Rahul Gandhi dismissed her speech as “boring,” giving the ruling party an opportunity to attack. When Modi got his turn to speak in both Houses, he launched a scathing attack on the Congress and the Gandhi family. Along with highlighting the achievements of his government over the last ten years, Modi also laid out a roadmap for the future. Additionally, he exposed Congress’s history of politics surrounding backward classes and constitutional matters since independence.
Following the BJP’s disappointing performance in the Lok Sabha elections, the recent victories in key states have revitalised Modi’s confidence. Tensions between
Government set for an aggressive approach
The first week of the Budget Session made it clear that the government is set to adopt a more aggressive stance. Modi’s confident speeches signalled that the political challenges for Congress are only going to increase. In the Lok Sabha, Modi compared Congress’s 70 years in power to his 10-year tenure, highlighting how the country has progressed significantly under his leadership. He provided a detailed account of his government’s key decisions and policies. In the Rajya Sabha, he reminded the opposition of how common citizens struggled under Congress rule, even for basic necessities.
One of Modi’s strongest rebuttals was against Rahul Gandhi’s statements on B.R. Ambedkar, the Constitution, and reservations. The Prime Minister dismantled Rahul’s arguments, exposing Congress’s past opposition to Ambedkar and its hypocrisy on constitutional matters. Modi pointed out that Congress leaders hesitate to even say “Jai Bhim, Jai Ambedkar” and only carry Ambedkar’s book for political optics. He also detailed instances where Congress suppressed freedom of speech, citing the Emergency as a prime example. Without taking direct names, Modi accused Congress of repeatedly violating constitutional principles.
Rahul Gandhi’s leadership under scrutiny
There is no denying that Modi’s statements were factually accurate. Rahul Gandhi’s approach to politics remains puzzling, and his inability to lead effectively has pushed Congress deeper into crisis. Modi even warned in Parliament that if Congress continues on its current path, it risks complete political extinction.
Modi’s frustration is understandable. As the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi does not appear to be taking his role seriously. Even his choice of attire—T-shirts and black high-neck sweaters—suggests a lack of gravity. More importantly, his political issues and strategies seem miscalculated. His rhetoric around protecting the Constitution and advocating for backward classes is exaggerated, creating an unnecessary sense of crisis. Strangely, even Congress leaders do not appear to be fully invested in Rahul’s chosen narratives.
Within the Congress party, a large faction remains unconvinced by Rahul’s approach. His allies, too, are not particularly enthusiastic. The recent election results in Delhi are likely to create further complications for him. Rahul Gandhi has also stumbled in foreign policy discussions, making statements that often land him in trouble. Despite being in politics for nearly 25 years, he has yet to define his political vision or leadership strategy.
His poor decision-making and miscalculated priorities have only strengthened the BJP. With Modi back in his confident form and the government ready for an aggressive push, Congress and the opposition face an uphill battle in the months ahead.