NEW DELHI: Priyanka Gandhi’s ascent in Congress signals potential leadership role, influencing party dynamics amid strategic nominations and electoral setbacks.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, once the strategist behind the scenes, now emerges as a potential frontline leader for the Congress party. Her nomination to contest from Wayanad suggests a pivotal role, possibly even as the party’s face and potential Prime Ministerial candidate, continuing the legacy initiated by Sonia Gandhi.
As Sonia Gandhi steered the party, nurturing factions around herself and Ahmed Patel, Priyanka’s ascent could reshape power dynamics. Historically, figures like Ambika Soni, V. George, and Ahmed Patel wielded considerable influence, yet faced challenges as the party evolved under Sonia’s leadership post-2004.
With Rahul Gandhi’s entry came internal strife, sidelining veterans and reshuffling power centers. Priyanka’s involvement under Rahul’s presidency, alongside figures like KC Venugopal, marked a shift despite electoral setbacks and changes in leadership dynamics.
Celebrating 99 seats in the recent Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi’s leadership amidst coalition optimism reflects Congress’s strategic stance against the ruling BJP. Priyanka’s strategic efforts in Rae Bareli and Amethi, culminating in the Wayanad nomination, underscore her growing influence and potential to revive Congress’s fortunes.
Amid speculation and internal deliberations, Priyanka Gandhi’s trajectory signals potential transformations within Congress, navigating alliances and future directions under the watchful eye of 10 Janpath loyalists.
Sonia Gandhi has been the president of Congress since a long time, leading to establishment of two major factions that exerted influence. One vested with herself and the other to Ahmed Patel. It remains to be seen whether the rest of the power centers of the Congress will be eliminated.
During the early days, in the year 1998, when Sonia had just taken over the reins of the party, there were numerous epicenters of power. Back then the command and control was in hands of some eminent names like, Ahmed Patel, Ambika Soni, V George, Madhavrao Scindia etc. But after Scindia’s tragic death in an air crash, the tussle was between the rest three. Along with them, Ghulam Navi Azad, Digvijay Singh, Kamal Nath, Ashok Gehlot, Janardan Dwivedi, Arjun Singh, Narayan Dutt Tiwari, Sheila Dixit and some leaders from the South were also influential and strong. However, they had little say in front of George, Patel and Soni.
With the return of Congress to power in 2004, significant changes occurred. Ambika Soni was gradually distanced from Sonia’s inner circle. However, today she is once again among Sonia’s close confidants. She mentors many leaders and influences decisions when given the opportunity, playing a significant role in the decisions regarding Rajasthan and Punjab.
Following Soni’s initial exit, V. George and Ahmed Patel remained the primary figures in Sonia’s circle.The trio scattered as George became weak and Ahmed Patel remained the sole power center.
However, with Rahul Gandhi’s entry into politics in 2004, a period of discords also began within the party. Everything was stable for the first five years, but after 2009, the party suffered significant setbacks due to the clash between new age politics and seasoned veterans’.
After Rahul took charge, Ahmed Patel’s influence declined, and leaders such as Janardan Dwivedi, Sheila Dixit, and Ghulam Nabi Azad were sidelined. When Rahul became president, Priyanka also took on a major role, and KC Venugopal gained power. Despite these changes, the party continued to weaken.
The party faced defeat in two consecutive Lok Sabha elections and diminished in the states. During this period, Ahmed Patel passed away. Venugopal emerged as one of the four most influential leaders alongside Sonia, Rahul, and Priyanka. Meanwhile, Mallikarjun Kharge was elected president through formal elections as a non-Gandhi, but he ranks fifth in terms of power within the party. Current Congress chief Mallikarjunn Kharge regards Rahul Gandhi as his leader and acts accordingly. Amidst these developments, Congress secured 99 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The party is celebrating these 99 seats as Rahul Gandhi’s most significant achievement despite his political setbacks. Congress hopes that the coalition government led by Narendra Modi will collapse within a year, paving the way for their return to power. Congress’s conduct reflects this optimism.
Congress is seizing every opportunity to protest against the ruling party, The Bharatiya Janata Party.
Amidst all this, Priyanka’s strategy appears to be yielding success. Her 12-day stay in Rae Bareli and Amethi contributed to the party’s victory, earning her the reward of Wayanad. Experts suggest Priyanka is patient and focused on winning in Wayanad to secure a seat in the Lok Sabha. Since announcing her candidacy for Wayanad, discussions inside and outside the party are increasing on Priyanka’s potential to restore Congress to its former strength.