Work in progress: On the Congress and its Ahmedabad session

The All India Congress Committee (AICC)/Congress Working Committee session in Ahmedabad, on April 8-9, aimed to convey the Congress’s intent to usher in organisational reforms at the grass-roots level and bring ideological clarity. The capital city of Gujarat with a rich history in India’s freedom struggle was a symbolic setting to reflect the crisis that the party is grappling with. The Congress has been out of power for 30 years in Gujarat, which is now closely associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s model of politics and governance. The conclave reaffirmed the party’s commitment to constitutional values such as secularism, pluralism, federalism, and inclusive growth — principles that once defined the Congress and which, it alleges, are now under threat. Party leader Rahul Gandhi reiterated the focus on social justice, including the demand for a nationwide caste census and the removal of the 50% ceiling on quotas. These would form the basis for future policy initiatives of Congress governments in the States, as well as any government it may lead at the Centre. Another key aspect of the Congress’s revival strategy hinges on its ability to build an effective party organisation at the grass roots. Signalling a shift away from its high-command culture, the party announced that district committees and district-level leadership would form the bedrock of decision-making and accountability.

While the deliberations signalled the party’s seriousness about bouncing back, critical questions remain beyond idealism and symbolism. Almost all its State units are plagued by power struggles and factionalism, often damaging the party’s electoral prospects. Whether district-level decision-making will intensify or contain factionalism is a question only the implementation of the revamp plan can answer. The attempt might be to squeeze the domineering regional chieftains between grass-roots leaders and the high command. It is also unclear how, when politics is increasingly centralised in terms of resources, messaging and planning, the Congress can achieve results by shifting authority to districts. In the absence of a clear road map — especially one that addresses the aspirations of India’s youth and emerging middle class — the party risks retreating into nostalgia rather than crafting a forward-looking vision. Building on its legacy, the Congress now needs political imagination, strategic clarity and organisational discipline. The Ahmedabad session, for all its symbolism and sincerity, must be seen as a beginning. It is a work in progress, and the months ahead will test whether the session on the banks of the Sabarmati marks a true turning point or just another event in the party’s ongoing quest for renewal.