Congress Plenary Session

Congress’ last major confabulation to refine its strategy for the 2019 battle has signaled its inclination for a joint front. Its political position is reminiscent of 2003 when exclusion from power at the Centre had induced a rethink of its then prevalent go-it-alone approach. As a political gathering, the plenary had all the requisite ingredients – platitudes for the consecration of Rahul Gandhi and the usual tirades castigating the personality overload at the Centre. But the process provided insights into the new leadership’s plans to harness political creativity, connect to the digitally-conscious and create greater inner party inclusivity – the trademark durries and cushions have given way to a gen-next stage -- and in a departure from the past, the middle level leadership also found itself on the stage

Hidden behind these necessary rites of passage is the more serious business of political, foreign and economic resolutions that frame a political party’s battle plans.  The Congress’ accent on a strong welfare state and its backing to the public sector in the economic resolution suggests a move to occupy the progressive-centralist space. The accent on strong state intervention to turnaround the education, health, agriculture and unemployment sectors also point to a similar inclination. Rahul Gandhi’s preference for a multi-polar world where India is also one of the poles is a rejection of the current dispensation pro-West tilt and muscularity to settle divergences.

These are ample pointers to the Congress’ preference for a sweeping alliance with social justice parties without being wedded to any kind of ideological dogma. But the Congress is yet to dispel the impression that its side will basically field a grouping of losers. It needs to start a conversation with the nation as well as potential allies to establish its honesty of purpose. The dialogues should juxtapose Congress’ increasing acceptability with the BJP’s shrinking base of allies. The greater challenge before the Congress, however, will be to weave an alliance that can provide coherent, united and robust counterpoises to dispel cynicism about coalition arrangements, and its ability to offer an efficient government different from the previous UPA versions.