Congress in Gujarat is once again revisiting a strategy that, since 1985, has kept the party far from power. Rahul Gandhi's caste census strategy, unveiled at the national convention, has created a quiet stir within the Gujarat unit of the party.
Congress Gujarat Adhiveshan 2025: The two-day national convention in Ahmedabad, while generating enthusiasm among party workers and leaders, also sparked concerns and strategic disagreements. The primary cause is Rahul Gandhi's strategy focused on a caste census, which he is now positioning as the cornerstone of Congress's political identity.
Unease After the National Convention
While the two-day Ahmedabad convention attempted to boost morale, the proposal for a caste census raised eyebrows among state leaders. This is the same Gujarat where Congress, after a resounding victory in 1985, rose to power leveraging the KHAM (Kshatriya, Harijan, Adivasi, Muslim) equation. However, this very equation backfired in the subsequent election, reducing the party to a mere 33 seats.
Rahul's Strategy and Gujarat's Ground Reality
Now, as Rahul Gandhi attempts to unite the OBC, Dalit, Adivasi, and Muslim vote banks, several Gujarat Congress leaders view this as political suicide. A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that Rahul Gandhi shouldn't have ignored Gujarat's complex social structure. The history of KHAM is well-known.
BJP's Strong Hold, Congress's Complex Challenge
In Gujarat, the BJP is not just the ruling party but an established power. In 2022, the BJP won a record 156 seats, many thanks to the support of the very OBC, Dalit, and Adivasi voters Congress aims to win over with its new strategy. However, the BJP hasn't just relied on promises; it has solidified its hold by providing these groups with representation in both power and organization.
The Caste Card: Opportunity or Deception for Congress?
While a caste census might yield political gains in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, in Gujarat, it could lead to emotional polarization and social resistance. If Congress contests the 2027 elections on this issue, it would be akin to reopening old wounds.
Although no one openly speaks against the party line, discussions within the Gujarat Congress are rife with the opinion that grassroots organization, b leadership, and development-oriented discourse are more crucial than caste-based politics. One leader commented directly, "We're only making announcements, while the BJP has organically connected with these communities." Congress needs to focus on on-the-ground work rather than pronouncements.
