The outcome of the Congress Working Committee’s recent meeting could upset those expecting at least some sort of reorganisation in the party after the embarrassing performance in the recent assembly elections in five states. It was not the first debacle since losing the general election to BJP and its allies in 2014 and the trend could continue if concrete measures aren’t put in place. Well, the Gandhi family that had taken the party thus far and ruled the country for decades can’t be entirely held responsible for the poor performance in elections during the past few years. The family also can’t wash its hands of this fiasco as state after state has fallen like a pack of cards under its leadership. The Congress has come under constant attack from all quarters over dynastic politics, but the fact is that no political party or state is free from it. Even the BJP, which has been vocal about its opposition to dynasty politics and termed it a threat to democracy, ironically has a long list of dynast leaders. Dynasty politics shouldn’t be a matter of concern as long as politicians genuinely work for the people, but problem creeps in when met with successive failure. It’s not that the Gandhi family is unaware of the current situation. They may be having sleepless nights over the party’s repeated failure in elections but are still unsure how to do it any differently. With the grand old party failing to make any visible progress over the last eight years, making political observers as well as common people doubt its leadership. It should take the risk of exploring new possibilities, including a complete overhaul of the party structure.
Amid growing clamour for restructuring of the party from several members, party president Sonia Gandhi has expressed her willingness to make any sacrifice in the party's interest, thus providing a window for change. It’s an encouraging move from the Gandhi family. However, it is to be seen if anything positive will come out of the party’s proposed upcoming brainstorming session and the organisational polls that will follow to elect the party president and other executives in the second half of this year. The party needs an honest discourse and has to dissect issues to arrest the free fall. There is no guarantee that the party, which is facing existential threat today, will revive if the Gandhi family is pushed aside but bold decision and risk should be taken if the situation demands. In the meantime, the organisational restructuring should be premised upon merit and capabilities of its members. Decisions driven by emotions can cause further destruction. So, the outcome of the organisational polls will largely decide the future of the party. The downfall of the Congress or any political party for that matter won’t help India because a strong opposition is essential to a healthy democracy.