Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s entry into Parliament has reignited debates within Congress, raising hopes of revival but deepening internal concerns.
New Delhi: Congress members are feeling a mix of happiness and concern after the winter session of Parliament. Many are optimistic, hoping that Priyanka Gandhi might soon take charge of the party. However, alongside these hopeful voices, a section of Congress leaders remains deeply worried about the party’s political trajectory, believing the current developments may not bode well for its future.
This apprehension partly stems from the visible involvement of three Gandhi family members in Parliament, with Sonia Gandhi now in the Rajya Sabha. Such a situation, they fear, could lead to internal conflicts, as unpredictability is a hallmark of politics. Adding to their concerns is the precarious state of the Congress party and growing dissatisfaction among members with the current leadership team.
Priyanka Gandhi, despite her long political involvement, entered Parliament as an elected member for the first time. Her maiden opportunity to address Parliament and engage in active politics came during the winter session. She participated in a protest over the Adani issue, with a video of her urging women MPs to “not leave Sita” while chanting “Jai Siyaram Bolo” going viral, indicating her unique approach to political engagement.
During the Lok Sabha’s discussion on the Constitution, Priyanka was allowed to speak.
Interestingly, both Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi spoke on the same subject, leading to inevitable comparisons. While Priyanka relied on a prepared speech, her intent to motivate Congress members and showcase a distinct political style was clear. Her speech sparked discussions among party members, many of whom opined that she speaks better than Rahul.
This comparison has fueled fresh expectations around Priyanka, reminiscent of the hopes the party had when Rahul Gandhi became president. However, the outcome of those earlier expectations is well known. Time will tell what direction this renewed enthusiasm around Priyanka’s leadership will take the Congress party.
Priyanka Gandhi officially entered politics around the same time Rahul Gandhi took over the party’s leadership from their mother, Sonia Gandhi. However, Priyanka’s political experience predates her brother’s, as she had been actively involved alongside Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi.
By 2013, she began influencing party decisions alongside Rahul. Later, she assumed the role of General Secretary and was given charge of Uttar Pradesh, a significant political responsibility.
Her appointment as in-charge of Uttar Pradesh initially raised hopes among Congress workers. Priyanka formed a new team, primarily comprising fresh faces.
However, this lack of experience within her team proved detrimental to the party. Her approach, including populist moves like riding motorcycles and scooters, focused more on creating a spectacle than building a robust organizational structure. The sidelining of experienced leaders further weakened the Congress in Uttar Pradesh, leading to its virtual collapse in the state.
During this period, under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, the Congress’s influence diminished across the country. After her failure in Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka shifted her focus to central politics, intervening in states like Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. However, her involvement in these states reportedly caused more harm than good.
Priyanka also played a significant role during the election of the party’s national president, with speculation that she aspired to the position herself. Later, she aimed to enter the Rajya Sabha, but Sonia and Rahul reportedly opposed the idea. Even her recent entry into the Lok Sabha was met with resistance from her family, though they were unable to stop her this time.
Now, Priyanka’s presence in Parliament has reignited comparisons with Rahul Gandhi. Political observers caution that such comparisons may lead to factionalism within the party, a common risk in politics. Many experts doubt Priyanka’s ability to chart a new course in today’s political landscape, given her track record in Uttar Pradesh. They believe she is likely to continue the traditional Congress style of politics rooted in the Gandhi-Nehru legacy, surrounded by enthusiastic supporters but without a transformative strategy for the party’s revival.
The current political climate raises doubts about whether Priyanka Gandhi’s approach will resonate, especially with today’s youth, who are more inclined to discuss figures like Modi, Yogi, Trump, or even Allu Arjun. Priyanka belongs to a political lineage that seems disconnected from the changing dynamics of contemporary politics.
The Congress party itself appears to have lost touch with the concerns of the common man, focusing on issues like Adani, which many find too complex or irrelevant to their daily struggles.
Priyanka’s political moves will inevitably increase the pressure on Rahul Gandhi. While Rahul is widely regarded as honest and well-meaning, he struggles to grasp the country’s changing pulse and the necessity of building a robust party organization. The reliance on sycophants within his team has further isolated him from the ground reality, preventing him from understanding the need for strategic action and hard work.
This is a crucial moment for Rahul Gandhi to revamp the party by bringing experienced and veteran leaders back into the fold. Leaders like Ghulam Nabi Azad and Janardan Dwivedi could be reinstated, while seasoned politicians such as Kamal Nath, Ashok Gehlot, Digvijay Singh, Harish Rawat, Bhupendra Singh Hooda, Prithviraj Chavan, and Bhupesh Baghel should be entrusted with organizational responsibilities. It’s time to give the current leadership a break and leverage the wisdom of those who understand the art of political battles.
The party’s current advisors lack the tactical skills needed to play the political game effectively, often failing to perform when it matters most. To regain its footing, the Congress must rely on its old stalwarts—leaders who know how to tackle strong opponents and lead the party forward.