Martin Menachery
Dynastic politics has been a persistent issue within the Ho Congress party,leading to detrimental consequences that are now becoming increasingly apparent.
With our nation facing various democratic challenges, the absence of a strong opposition voice from Congress,the oldest democratic party, is a cause for concern.
Many Congress workers feel disheartened and disillusioned by a leadership more focused on promoting family succession than on nurturing talent and addressing the needs of grassroots supporters.
A significant manifestation of this trend is the tendency for leadership positions to pass within families.
It has become commonplace for a leader who becomes an MP or Minister to ensure that their child or spouse secures the next electoral seat. Consequently,we see multiple MPs or MLAs emerging from the same family, leaving ordinary party workers marginalized and lacking opportunities for advancement within the party hierarchy.
In Karnataka, for example, out of 28 seats, a striking 16 have been allocated to leaders’ relatives.This uneven distribution of power suggests a looming internal crisis within the party.
Similar strategies have been observed in other states, with Congress seeking alliances with regional leaders like Mamata Banerjee and Sharad Pawar.
Even the Congress high command appears powerless in countering entrenched dynastic politics, as questioning state Pradesh Congress Committees (PCCs) is often seen as taboo due to the dominance of a single family at the helm.
Furthermore, once a person assumes a ministerial position, their actions are largely influenced by bureaucratic officers prioritizing government agendas over party workers’ concerns.
This disconnect between leaders and grassroots workers is exacerbated by the dismissive treatment of party workers by appointed officers.
When workers attempt to voice grievances or meet leaders, they are often ignored or physically prevented from reaching leaders’ residences.It is crucial for Congress leaders to recognize that the party’s vitality lies in its grassroots workers, not in perpetuating dynastic rule.
To regain relevance and credibility,Congress must prioritize empowering its party workers and cultivating strong regional leaders in every state.
Only by promoting inclusivity and meritocracy can Congress hope to regain its status as a formidable political force in the country.