The Political Observer, Mumbai: The pursuit of power often compels political parties to adopt unconventional strategies, but the recent trajectory of the Congress party has raised eyebrows. Once the dominant force in Indian politics, Congress appears to have compromised its ideological foundation in favor of pragmatic yet perplexing alliances, notably with Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena in Maharashtra.
This trend is evident not only in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections but also in the Lok Sabha elections, where the party has seemingly set aside core principles to stay electorally relevant. However, the fallout of these alliances may outweigh the benefits, posing significant challenges for Congress’ long-term credibility.
Congress’ Waning Confidence in Fighting Alone
Posters and banners in political campaigns often reveal unspoken truths. At the recent launch of the Mumbai Nama, a joint manifesto by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), a glaring detail caught observers’ attention. The posters prominently displayed Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, with his image overshadowing other leaders, including those from Congress. Missing entirely was Sonia Gandhi, one of the most prominent figures of Congress.
Such optics hint at a deeper reality: Congress now appears to lack the confidence to contest elections independently. This is a marked departure from its past, when it could stand on its own ideological convictions. Today, the party’s stature in Maharashtra is increasingly diminished, with its leaders seemingly resigned to playing a secondary role under the MVA umbrella.
Shiv Sena and BJP: Ideological Cousins
The Congress-Shiv Sena alliance continues to puzzle political analysts. Shiv Sena, under Bal Thackeray, shared an ideological affinity with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with both emerging from Hindutva politics. Thackeray’s brand of fiery, hardline Hindutva won him significant political success, allowing Shiv Sena to dominate Mumbai’s political landscape and curb mafia influence in the city.
However, Uddhav Thackeray’s political realignment, driven by a quest for power, marked a departure from his father’s ideology. His decision to part ways with the BJP and ally with Congress under the MVA has drawn criticism, especially given Congress’ long-standing opposition to Hindutva.
Rahul Gandhi’s Contradictory Approach
Rahul Gandhi’s stance in this alliance has been particularly perplexing. Known for his staunch opposition to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Gandhi has consistently rejected any association with individuals linked to the RSS ideology. His refusal to induct cousin Varun Gandhi into Congress was a case in point, citing Varun’s ideological leanings as incompatible with Congress’ secular ethos.
Yet, this principle seems to have been set aside when it comes to Uddhav Thackeray. Despite Shiv Sena’s origins in hardline Hindutva, Gandhi has shown no hesitation in forging an alliance with Thackeray’s faction, a move that some interpret as a desperate attempt to stay politically relevant.
Congress Under Uddhav’s Shadow
In Maharashtra, the Congress appears to be increasingly subsumed under Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership. From seat-sharing arrangements to campaign strategies, the party seems to be operating as a junior partner within the alliance. Congress leaders are reportedly more concerned with safeguarding their political careers than addressing the party’s declining influence.
Insiders reveal growing unease among Congress members deployed to Maharashtra, as they question whether Uddhav will remain loyal to the alliance in the long run. This apprehension stems from Congress’ history of being let down by its allies, often to its detriment.
Lessons Unlearned: Delhi’s AAP Alliance
Congress’ ill-fated alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) serves as a cautionary tale. By supporting AAP’s short-lived 50-day government in Delhi, Congress inadvertently paved the way for its own marginalization in both Delhi and Punjab. Furthermore, the partnership undermined Congress’ credibility as allegations of corruption against AAP’s leadership tainted the party by association.
Instead of learning from this misstep, Congress repeated the pattern in the Lok Sabha elections, aligning with AAP and again paying the price.
BJP’s Calculated Moves in Delhi
Meanwhile, the BJP continues to consolidate its position in opposition-ruled states. In Delhi, reports suggest the BJP has successfully made inroads into AAP, targeting senior leaders such as Kailash Gahlot. Speculation is rife that several prominent AAP members may join the BJP before the elections are announced.
Maharashtra: A Test for Congress’ Strategy
The Maharashtra Assembly elections, slated for November 23, will reveal whether Congress’ decision to ally with Shiv Sena was strategic foresight or a costly error. While the alliance aims to counter the BJP, critics argue that it dilutes Congress’ ideological identity, leaving voters confused about what the party truly stands for.
Congress must recognize that mismatched alliances often yield more harm than good. While they may offer short-term electoral gains, they erode the party’s ideological foundation and alienate its core supporters. The party’s strategy of forming opportunistic alliances, driven by an apparent desperation to regain power, risks further diminishing its stature on the national stage.
As Rahul Gandhi and Congress navigate the challenges of coalition politics, the question remains whether they can reclaim their position as a formidable force or whether such compromises will continue to weaken the party from within.