It is often said that one week is a long time in politics, but this is perhaps not what the Congress leadership thinks.
The party’s principal leader, Rahul Gandhi, has been away for nearly three weeks, and no one can say with certainty when he is likely to resume his political activities.
Meanwhile, the Monsoon Session of Parliament is set to commence in eight days, during which multiple issues of national and international importance are expected to be debated. The casual approach towards politics by the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha is raising concerns and, without doubt, hurting his party. Congress workers are discussing the matter privately, though few are willing to speak publicly for fear of political repercussions.
Critics of Prime Minister Narendra Modi have often admired Rahul Gandhi for being one of the few leaders willing to openly challenge the government. However, even many of them are puzzled by his frequent political sabbaticals, which repeatedly leave his party and supporters struggling to defend his absence.
No one argues that Rahul Gandhi—or any politician—should not have private time or take vacations. The concern is that such breaks should not come at the cost of political responsibilities, particularly when one occupies such an important constitutional and organisational position.
This is not the first instance of the Leader of the Opposition being absent during a crucial political phase. During the peak of the Bihar Assembly election campaign, when his rallies were drawing large crowds, he disappeared without prior notice and returned only after the momentum had faded. A similar pattern was seen during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, where the political gains expected from the campaign could not be fully realised due to organisational shortcomings and the functioning of those around him.
Rahul Gandhi must either take greater responsibility for leading the party or allow someone else to take charge of the Congress organisation. The party infrastructure continues to remain in disarray, with little visible preparedness to challenge its political opponents. Hypothetically, if a Lok Sabha election were held today, the Congress tally could fall well below its current 99 seats, while the BJP’s numbers could rise further. The question many within the party ask is whether anyone in Rahul Gandhi’s team is providing him with an accurate assessment of the political situation.
His advisers, too, have come under criticism. Many believe they fail to understand the political consequences of their decisions, while the same group continues to be entrusted with key responsibilities despite repeated setbacks. This, critics argue, prevents capable leaders from getting opportunities to contribute.
Politics often gives rise to conspiracy theories. One such theory suggests that the Gandhi family has a tacit understanding with the ruling establishment, ensuring that they are never seriously targeted while, in return, avoiding any sustained challenge to the government. There is no evidence to support such claims, but the Congress’ inability to re-establish itself over the past 12 years has allowed such speculation to persist.
Much of this is attributed to the leadership’s inability either to accurately assess the BJP’s organisational strength and financial resources or to avoid repeating the same strategic mistakes while expecting different outcomes. Many Congress leaders continue to believe the party will return to power once public dissatisfaction with the BJP grows. However, unless the Congress itself presents a compelling alternative, it is likely to remain on the political sidelines. Narendra Modi and Amit Shah have consistently demonstrated organisational and electoral effectiveness, and unless the Congress changes its approach, one-sided electoral outcomes may continue.
Rahul Gandhi’s absence has also delayed the expansion of the Karnataka Cabinet, as no one appears willing to take the final decisions regarding ministerial appointments. Political circles are also speculating that the exercise may involve political compromises over merit. Similar concerns were raised during the Rajya Sabha nominations, where the Congress reportedly lost two seats it might otherwise have won had candidate selection been handled more strategically and transparently.
In Punjab, where the Congress had hoped to return to power by defeating the Aam Aadmi Party, internal divisions have deepened. An exercise that began nearly six months ago to replace Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa ultimately created more confusion than clarity. Both leaders have retained their positions, while several newly appointed office-bearers remain dissatisfied and have shown signs of rebellion. Many within the party believe the leadership mishandled the entire exercise, giving the Aam Aadmi Party an advantage ahead of the Assembly elections.
Rahul Gandhi now faces the challenge of reassessing both the effectiveness of his advisers and their commitment to the Congress’ ideological principles. Many within the party argue that unless the Congress succeeds in rebuilding its traditional support base among Dalits, Muslims and Brahmins, its path back to power will remain difficult. Questions are also increasingly being raised within party circles over what some perceive as the leadership’s reluctance to promote Brahmin leaders.
Between us.
