Create a credible alternative to rightist politics

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Many analysts are telling us how and why the Indian National Congress lost in the recent state elections, barring Telangana, of course. They did not get the caste combination right in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. There was infighting. Finally, superior strategy and organisational skills won the day for BJP. All these are correct. But a fundamental flaw has crept into the way Indian National Congress functions.

Just ask yourself one question, “Why is it that despite the fact no corruption charges could be proved against UPA ministers, people are prepared to believe the worst about the Congress. Despite the growing number of criminals and corrupt in the BJP fold, why have people  shown faith in the Modi regime repeatedly?”

There are no simple answers. But some readily come to mind.

1. Image Problem: What does the Indian National Congress stand for? A simple answer should have been Secularism, Liberalism and Socialism. But, its leaders go out of their way to prove their Hindu credentials. They flaunt their castes publicly and indulge in caste identity politics. Almost all of them lead a feudal lifestyle. They are rich, propertied and arrogant. All these go against the very fundamentals of the Congress.
2. Outreach: The Congress cadre is defunct. There are very few young people in Congress who would dedicate themselves to promoting the party at the grassroots level. And the few that exist are not clear about what they have to convey to the masses except singing songs in praise of the Dynasty. Rahul has tried to break this habit, but it is apparently ineffective.
3. Structural Flaws: State Congress Committees are a mess. There is hardly any worthwhile interaction among the members regularly.
4. Poor Organisation and Communication skills: The Party becomes active only when elections are around. After the elections, a perfunctory atmchintan is done and then everybody goes into hibernation. Poor messaging on social media is another problem. Nobody knows what the party actually stands for.
5. Lack of new talent in the party: Either the party doesn’t have talented leaders in its ranks or none exists. They constantly fall back on the old guard or their descendants.

What needs to be done?

The following steps need to be taken first. These are preliminary but essential for the Party’s rejuvenation.

• Develop a clear and comprehensive vision: The INC needs to articulate a clear and compelling vision for the future of India that resonates with the aspirations of the people. This vision should address key issues like economic development, job creation, social justice, environmental sustainability, and national security. The party leaders should be genuinely dedicated to the party’s core values of secularism, socialism, and liberalism.
• Focus on core values: The party should re-emphasise its commitment to its core values of secularism, inclusivity, and social justice. This will help attract voters who are concerned about rising religious polarisation and social inequality. The party should reassert its commitment to the development of scientific temper among its members and the public.
• Present practical solutions: The INC needs to move beyond mere criticism and offer concrete solutions to the problems facing the country. This requires developing well-researched policy proposals and demonstrating a commitment to implementation. They need to have specialist professionals to evaluate and formulate policies on different issues like economic, defence and strategic matters, international affairs, environment, education and social justice, etc.
• Focus on development and welfare: The party should prioritise issues related to economic development, poverty reduction, healthcare, education, and rural development. This will appeal to a broader spectrum of voters and counter the BJP’s focus on nationalism and Hindutva.

Communication and Outreach:

• Effective communication strategy: The INC needs to develop a more effective communication strategy to reach out to voters and communicate its message clearly. This includes utilising traditional media, and social media platforms, and engaging in direct dialogue with the public. It will be a good idea to promote new TV news channels that will be thoroughly professional and capable of countering the divisive narratives propagated by the current Godi Media. A framework is needed for regular discussions and debates on various issues facing the party and the nation. The members should be encouraged to air their views on an issue, even if these contradict those of the senior leadership. Fresh ideas should be welcomed and brainstormed regularly. This will require a system of two-way communication system.
• Build a stronger connect with the youth: The party needs to invest in engaging with young people and addressing their concerns. This includes creating platforms for youth dialogue, promoting youth leadership, and incorporating their perspectives into policy development. It is quite clear that the INC has not yet tapped into the vast majority of youth for fresh talent and ideas. The party makes do with what is immediately available to them in the form of existing leaders’ progeny. There is a need to set up a structured machinery for recruiting young men and women at the grassroots level. They need to be educated about the party’s healthy traditions and ideals. It is time to get rid of the Old Guard. They have not only outlived their utility to the party but also represent all that is wrong with the party. Frankly, they have no place in the politics of 21st-century India. There is a need for grooming and inducting younger leaders who are free of the feudal mindset and have a clear vision for 21st-century India. The party needs to promote and empower younger leaders to bring fresh perspectives and energy into the organisation. This will help connect with younger generations of voters and project a more dynamic image. With the Gandhi family’s waning popularity, the INC lacks a credible face to take on Prime Minister Modi and the BJP’s formidable election machinery nationally. Internal power struggles and the lack of new national figures coming through make this an enduring weakness.
• Focus on regional issues: The INC needs to tailor its campaign messages and strategies to address the specific issues and concerns of each region and community. This will demonstrate a commitment to understanding the diverse needs of the Indian people.
• Build alliances: The INC should form alliances with other regional and national parties to broaden its appeal and increase its chances of electoral success. However, such alliances should be based on shared values and a common vision for the future.

Building a Strong Ground Game:

• Strengthen grassroots organisation: The INC needs to strengthen its grassroots organisation by mobilising party workers, building local networks, and engaging in community outreach programs. This will help connect with voters at the individual level and build a sound foundation for electoral success. The INC’s organisational structure needs to be revamped to make it more efficient and responsive to the needs of the electorate. This includes strengthening the party’s local units and improving its communication channels. It is high time to hold elections from the grassroots level to the top. For this, it is necessary to weed out undesirable elements from the party, including the Youth Congress. New membership drive should factor in background checks to avoid entry of malcontents. The elections should be free and fair and nobody should be allowed to have a perpetual lien on the party’s decision-making bodies.
• Effective election campaigning: The party needs to conduct well-organised and strategically planned election campaigns. This includes utilising data analytics, targeting specific demographics, and effectively utilising resources. The INC must address internal conflicts and factionalism that have hampered its unity and decision-making. The manner in which Gehlot and Sachin Pilot remained at loggerheads in Rajasthan until the conclusion of the elections was nothing short of fatal for the party’s prospects. Similarly, the two feudal lords of Madhya Pradesh - Kamal Nath and Digvijay Singh - worked for cross purposes. The former even defied the Central Command, which resulted in a similar disaster. This requires leadership that can foster consensus and bridge the gaps between different factions within the party. Only then can election campaigning become cohesive and effective.
• Counter misinformation and disinformation: The INC must develop effective strategies to counter misinformation and disinformation campaigns spread by the BJP and other political opponents. This requires investing in fact-checking initiatives and promoting media literacy among the public. The party needs to demonstrate transparency and accountability to regain public trust. This includes conducting internal audits, addressing corruption allegations effectively, and holding its leaders accountable for their actions.

Despite the claims of being the largest opposition party, the INC cannot afford to ignore the necessity of forming alliances on a long-term basis. It must realise that the regional parties do not need the INC for their survival but the other way round. Parties like TMC, DMK, RJD and JD (U) have a powerful presence in their respective states and can fight electoral battles on their own. But the Congress needs their support to check the BJP’s growing dominance at the national level.

So, as a first step, the INC must focus on unity and coalition building. The INC must take initiatives to overcome inter-party differences and forge a united front against the BJP. This may involve compromises and power-sharing agreements, but it is crucial to present a single, credible alternative to the voters. The focus needs to be on issues that can unify the alliance partners’ base, such as economic development, unemployment, inflation, social justice, and environmental protection.

It is the responsibility of the INC leadership to ensure that the opposition coalition presents a credible alternative to the BJP. They need to present a clear and detailed policy agenda that addresses the concerns of the electorate. This agenda should focus on issues like job creation, poverty reduction, affordable healthcare, education, and rural development.

The opposition should effectively hold the BJP government accountable for its failures and shortcomings. This includes highlighting issues like corruption, mismanagement, and human rights violations. They should be able and willing to utilise legal and constitutional tools to challenge the government’s actions, including policies that are perceived as discriminatory or against the Constitution.

Election Campaigns

During elections, the opposition needs to tailor their campaign messages to address the specific issues and concerns of each region and community. Local leaders and grassroots activists are crucial for mobilising voters and ensuring strong campaign organisation. The opposition should empower them and utilise their knowledge and connections.

Social media platforms can be powerful tools for reaching out to voters, especially young people. The opposition should invest in building a strong social media presence and utilise it to spread their message and mobilise support. The opposition needs to effectively counter the BJP’s Hindutva agenda and its attempts to polarise the electorate. They should promote a vision of India that is inclusive, secular, and respectful of all religions and communities.

They should avoid going on the defensive, or resort to reactive politics. Instead, they should create a distinct narrative that focuses on inclusiveness. The opposition should campaign on a message of hope and optimism for the future. They should offer a vision of a better India that is inclusive, prosperous, and just. They should also highlight the positive achievements of past non-BJP governments and contrast them with the current government’s performance.

However, the most important thing is to promote the values of democracy and secularism. And this is going to be a challenge given the casteist, parochial character of most of the opposition parties barring AAP and TMC. All the more reason for the opposition to emphasise their commitment to upholding the values of democracy, secularism, and the rule of law, which are fundamental to India’s identity.

By implementing these measures and building a strong, united front, the opposition can significantly increase their chances of defeating the BJP in the 2024 General Elections. However, it is crucial to note that the path to victory will require sustained effort, strategic planning, and a consistent commitment to addressing the needs and aspirations of the Indian people.

Finally, they need to understand that the coalition should not have a limited objective of beating the BJP in elections but create a distinct and enduring alternative to rightist politics.