Why Blind Loyalty to the Gandhi Family Plagues the Indian Congress Party
Over the years, the Indian Congress Party has become a family affair, heavily influenced by religious communities and deeply entwined with the Gandhi family. Despite the party's rich history and the contributions of many brilliant leaders, blind loyalty to the Gandhi family has led to a zombism, a state of unthinking allegiance that stifles the party's potential for true progress.
Congress as a Family Business
The Congress Party, once a champion of Indian independence and social reform, is now largely dominated by a single family. The emphasis is not on the ideas or the values it once represented but on the legacy of the Gandhi family. This has led to a situation where Congress is just fooling its followers, as Sonia Gandhi insists on retaining power within the Gandhi dynasty, even when someone outside the family is appointed as the party president.
If a non-Gandhi were to be made the president, the hope is to find a puppet leader who will adhere to the Gandhi's control lines. This blind loyalty to a familial patriarchal structure is detrimental to the party's ability to connect with diverse communities and adapt to changing times. It also leaves little room for a critical assessment of the party's performance and a willingness to embrace individuals from other religious or social backgrounds.
The BJP and Modiji
In contrast, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is heavily reliant on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP cannot even win an election without Modi's charismatic presence. Some argue that this is due to the legacy of the Gujarat model and Modi's performance in Gujarat, which has made him the face of the BJP. However, this reliance on Modi's image ignores the impressive achievements and the giants that walked before him in the Congress Party.
Many members of the Congress Party tried to start their own parties outside of the Gandhi-controlled structure, but Indian voters have consistently rejected them. It's not as if Indians only became smart after 2014. This is a cultural phenomenon that cannot be dismissed so easily. Indians are deeply emotional and often make champions out of their leaders, regardless of their shortcomings. This emotional loyalty to Modi means that he can do no wrong in the eyes of many, and his name is used to win elections in even the most remote areas.
Corruption and Power Dynamics
Power within the Congress Party rests heavily with the Gandhi family, and this concentration of wealth and secrets does not bode well for the party. Very few leaders within the Congress have nothing to hide, and the more power a leader has, the more corrupt they become. This dynamic is a well-documented phenomenon in politics and has dire consequences for the leadership and governance of the party.
It is important to recognize that loyalty to the Gandhi family comes at a cost. The party's lack of forward-thinking policies and innovation is a direct result of this loyalism. While the Gandhi family may provide stability, it often comes at the expense of progress and inclusivity.
Conclusion
The blind loyalty to the Gandhi family that permeates the Indian Congress Party is a legacy that needs to be reevaluated. It is time for the party to embrace new ideas and leaders from diverse backgrounds to better serve the needs of the Indian people. The emotional loyalty to Modi and the Gandhi family may be powerful, but true progress requires a more inclusive and forward-thinking approach. As Indians, we should strive to recognize and respect the contributions of all our leaders, not just those whom our emotions have elevated to god-like status.