Rahul’s growing woes

Reeling from electoral setbacks in Haryana and Maharashtra, the Congress party now confronts a daunting challenge to its leadership within the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) coalition. Just days after dismissing Mamata Banerjee’s leadership aspirations as a “good joke,” cracks within the alliance have widened. Several allies have openly endorsed Banerjee’s claim, while others are entertaining the possibility of a leadership change. Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief, recently expressed dissatisfaction with the INDIA bloc’s functioning, signalling her readiness to lead the coalition if entrusted with the responsibility. However, she emphasized her commitment to West Bengal, stating she could manage the alliance from her home state. While her comments subtly challenge Congress’s dominance, they also spotlight Rahul Gandhi, the perceived target of her criticism. Currently, the bloc is headed by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, though many view him as a proxy for Rahul. Adding to Congress’s discomfort, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad Yadav-a staunch supporter of Rahul Gandhi-threw his weight behind Banerjee. Dismissing potential objections from Congress, Yadav reiterated that Mamata Banerjee should be allowed to lead the INDIA bloc. He further asserted that Congress’s resistance to such a move would not matter. Lalu is the second prominent ally to back Banerjee, following NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar’s endorsement of her leadership potential. Criticism of Congress’s lacklustre electoral performance has been equally scathing. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav highlighted Congress’s failure to win key seats in Himachal Pradesh and its losses in Karnataka and Telangana, despite being in power. Moreover, the party failed to secure a single seat in Madhya Pradesh. These shortcomings, Yadav argued, undermined the opposition alliance and indirectly strengthened Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut called for greater consultation among INDIA bloc members, including Congress, emphasizing the coalition’s collective origins. Meanwhile, TMC leaders sharpened their critique of Congress, blaming its internal disarray for electoral defeats and leadership lapses. They questioned Kharge’s role as a nominal leader and criticized Rahul Gandhi’s perceived lack of direction. In contrast, Prime Minister Modi’s rise from a grassroots worker to a seasoned political organizer has been praised by critics and supporters alike. Modi’s resilience, strategic acumen, and ability to connect with diverse constituencies underscore his dominance. Many feel Rahul Gandhi, while sincere and modest, has struggled to assert himself as a credible alternative. His focus on single-issue politics-primarily anti-Modi and anti-Adani narratives-has been seen as limiting his appeal. Rahul’s leadership style has also come under scrutiny. Critics cite his informal demeanour, uninspiring speeches, and tendency to take vacations after electoral defeats as signs of disengagement. Comparisons to Modi’s polished public image and strong oratory have only amplified these concerns. In addition, the undue influence of a coterie loyal solely to the Gandhi family raises questions about Congress’s internal democracy. It is ironic that while Rahul is the most popular leader among INDIA alliance and Mamata nowhere near, yet she is determined to take over. Unless Rahul Gandhi demonstrates greater seriousness and strategic maturity, Congress risks ceding a pivotal role within the opposition coalition. With allies growing increasingly restless, the INDIA bloc faces an uncertain future, and Congress’s leadership is at the heart of the crisis.