Over the last few years, the Congress has lost control of Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa and Manipur – states where it either had won the m...
Over the last few years, the Congress has lost control of Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa and Manipur – states where it either had won the most seats in state elections or was in a position to remain in government. Not unfairly, the party was criticised for being listless, lacking vision and privileging clueless High Command leaders over the street-smarts of its regional chiefs.
As the party’s crisis in Rajasthan appears to come to an end this week, even if the new arrangement remains to be tested by time, it is clear that the Congress has manage to stave off the loss of yet another state in part by addressing the criticism it had received in the past.
After the revolt staged by Sachin Pilot, a dynastic politician considered close to former Congress President Rahul Gandhi, the Congress appeared to put its weight behind Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, whose handle on state politics is much stronger.
In fact, Pilot was removed as both deputy chief minister and head of the state unit of the Congress, a clear sign of disapproval. Yet, even as it sent the message that proximity to Rahul Gandhi would not prevent party leaders from being demoted, the leadership also maintained...
