As Delhi approaches the assembly elections in February, the political temperature is soaring, defying the city’s winter chill. The atmosphere, thick with smog, mirrors the polluted narrative of the campaign trail.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a fierce offensive against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), a one-time ally turned adversary, escalating the battle for Delhi’s leadership to fever pitch. The exchange of barbs—ranging from allegations about opulent residences like “Sheesh Mahal” and “Raj Mahal”—has often descended into puerile theatrics. Amid this cacophony, the Congress, a party with a storied history in Delhi and one credited with transformative governance under Sheila Dikshit, remains conspicuously muted. Once the city’s dominant political force, the Congress now appears paralyzed, a shadow of its former self.
It struggles not only with the loss of electoral ground but also with an identity crisis that leaves it unsure of how to regain relevance in Delhi’s evolving political landscape. At the centre of Congress’s woes is Rahul Gandhi, a leader whose role within the party is both pivotal and contentious. Though he has inherited immense political capital by virtue of his surname, his leadership has been marked by inconsistency. While his focus on issues such as crony capitalism, RSS ideology, and historical figures like Savarkar underscores his ideological commitment, his repetitive rhetoric and unpolished delivery often dilute the impact. Gandhi’s “everyman” attire-his now-famous white sleeveless t-shirt and beige trousers-has sparked debate, with some interpreting it as an attempt to connect with ordinary citizens, while others view it as an incongruous distraction in the biting Delhi winter.
The Congress’s challenges extend far beyond sartorial choices. Internally, it remains fractured, with unresolved infighting dating back to Dikshit’s tenure. Key leaders like Ajay Maken publicly had openly criticized Dikshit despite her administration’s popularity and excellent report card. Such divisions have left the party in shambles and ill-prepared to mount a credible campaign in Delhi, a state where it has been absent from power since 2013. Externally, the party faces growing marginalization within the opposition bloc, the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). The AAP, an influential member of the coalition, has openly rebuffed Congress, even suggesting its exclusion from alliance discussions in Delhi.
This rejection underscores the deep fissures within the opposition’s united front and further isolates Congress at a time when alliances are pivotal. Adding to its troubles, the Congress’s reliance on the Gandhi family remains a double-edged sword. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s recent entry into Parliament has injected some visibility, but her efforts thus far have focused more on personal branding than on addressing the party’s structural issues. Her performance during the winter session highlighted her intent to shape narratives but fell short of offering substantive solutions. With the Delhi elections looming and Bihar on the horizon, the Congress faces an existential crisis. To regain relevance, it must address its internal disarray, broaden its appeal beyond caste-based strategies, and articulate a vision that resonates with India’s dynamic electorate. Failure to do so will only deepen its political decline and ensure that its once-commanding presence in Delhi remains a relic of the past. Thus the fight is between A (AAP) and B (BJP) for D (Delhi) without C (Congress).