Congress: the story of change

It all began with ‘India Shining’ – a feel-good election campaign that was conceived by some of the brightest minds in BJP – turning out to be a complete disaster. Not only did it fail to reach out to the rural Indian voter, it aroused a sense of disproportionate development in the backward areas. This combined with the secular avatar of Congress won UPA the general elections in 2004. The Congress was sworn in amidst rising insecurities at the centre and the common man reposed her/his faith in the grand old party of India once again.

In the term beginning from 2004, UPA’s performance was absolutely dismal on many accounts. Leaders like Shivraj Patil and Arjun Singh were handed over key posts due to their influence within the party. Congress was back to its old dirty ways. Increase in reservation and inception of non-existent IITs were among several populist measures that left the intelligentsia screaming for the irreversible damage that the government had done.

Near the end of UPA’s term, Manmohan, in a show of unusual valour saw the Nuclear Deal through. It was a slap on the face of the Left. But the Congress never looked back. They had a sparkling victory in the next elections. Since then, Congress has been providing a leadership that our country has been yearning for. The Indian economy was growing even when the world was going through a slumber, much of which can be attributed to UPA’s financial policies. This was followed up by several bold reforms namely the Women reservation bill and revoking of university status of several universities. The latest - Right to Education Act – is an achievement for the Indian Republic and is a living example of the values and freedom that this nation stands for.

They maintained an excellent political image in their last term but they have been exemplary administrators as well this time around. They have shown immaculate decision making, uncompromising security measures, farsighted policy making, and a pursuit of aggressive change. What is it that has worked for the Congress after all?

Alienation from the Left: One of the most undeniable factors in Congress’ success. In all probabilities, separating itself from the Left has given Congress the freedom to exercise its own decisions and not be held back by the conservative views of the Left.

Excellent cabinet: Soon after the election results came out, Rahul Gandhi turned down a cabinet post setting an example for all other leaders. In the following weeks, Sonia and her aides churned out a cabinet that any democracy could only dream of. Weeding out its previous liabilities like Arjun Singh and Shivraj Patil, this cabinet is an intellectual powerhouse of extremely qualified and experienced leaders. Manmohan Singh, P. Chidambaram, Pranab Mukherjee, Shashi Tharoor (media never really cares to bring out what he did as a minister!), S M Krishna, Kapil Sibal – the list is endless.

Traditional Congress policies: While parties like BJP have had a tough time deciding upon a leader, Congress was very clear from the start. The prerequisite of belonging to the Gandhi clan has now rendered stability to the Congress. A nation might be humiliated when important national decisions are kept on hold for approval by an Italian lady as the PM waits in his office, but the establishment of a centre of power has greatly helped Congress. Secularism has been a cornerstone of UPA’s success. It has grabbed all opportunities to leverage on BJP’s tainted image and has emerged as a clear winner out of the 2002 riots.

Lack of political hurdles: With the next election still six months away (Bihar assembly polls), government could take several bold decisions like revoking of university status of several institutions and increasing oil prices. With such a large chunk of the Parliamentary seats in its kitty, Congress has been fearless as an administrator.

Evolution of Rahul Gandhi: From being an amateur leader and raising unnecessary controversies in Amethi to carrying out a brazen attack on MNS and holding impeccable press conferences, Rahul has come a long way while in the youth Congress. Unlike other national parties, Congress has little to complain about its future leadership.