The Indian National Congress party is employing new strategies to revitalize its dwindling support base. While the party's performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, securing 99 seats, offered a glimmer of hope for a comeback, subsequent electoral setbacks in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Delhi dampened expectations. Congress is now focusing on organizational restructuring and robust strategies to rebuild its foundation.
New Delhi: India's oldest political party, Congress, is implementing new strategies to strengthen its eroded support base. The party's gains in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, reaching 99 seats, had initially sparked hopes of a resurgence. However, the election results in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Delhi dealt a blow to these aspirations. Congress is now emphasizing organizational changes and powerful strategies to re-establish its roots.
Focus on Dalit Leadership in Bihar
Ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, Congress has made significant changes to its state organization. Rajesh Kumar, a Dalit leader, has replaced Akhilesh Prasad Singh (from the Bhumihar community) as the state president. This change reflects Congress's focus on garnering Dalit votes. Under Rahul Gandhi's leadership, Congress is strategizing to win over backward and marginalized communities.
Meeting of 700 District Presidents in Delhi in Three Batches
To strengthen its organization, Congress convened a meeting of 700 District Congress Committee (DCC) presidents from across the country in Delhi on March 27-28 and April 3. This meeting was held in three separate groups to discuss strategies for strengthening the Congress organization at the grassroots level. It was decided that this new organizational model will be initially implemented in Gujarat, where Assembly elections are scheduled for 2027. Gujarat will serve as a pilot project, and its success will determine its implementation in other states.
Increased Role of Priyanka Gandhi
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has played an active role in this organizational strengthening plan. She emphasized the need to bolster booth committees and district Congress units. Congress General Secretary Mukul Wasnik is in charge of this entire plan, with Priyanka Gandhi as a key member. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh stated that a Congress Working Committee meeting will be held in Ahmedabad on April 8, followed by an All India Congress Committee (AICC) session on April 9. These meetings will discuss declaring 2025 as the 'Organization Creation Year' and strategize for the revival of the Congress organization at the grassroots level.
Can Congress Stage a Comeback?
Congress, in its 'Nav Satyagraha meeting,' decided to observe 2025 as the 'Organization Creation Year.' This plan will grant increased powers to district Congress presidents, enabling them to select ber candidates for the party and strengthen Congress's grassroots presence. With new initiatives in Bihar and Gujarat, Congress is working towards rebuilding its organization. However, its true test will be the upcoming Assembly elections, which will reveal the effectiveness of its new strategies.
