Indian National Congress

| Feb 9, 2017, 19:49 IST

Following its poorest electoral performance since Independence in 2014, it has been a story of attempted-recuperation for the Indian National Congress. In 543-strong Lok Sabha, it had managed to get only 44 seats in the 2014 General Elections. The Congress’ ideology is primarily based on the Gandhian principle of 'Sarvodaya', which aims at lifting all the sections of the society, with emphasis on economically underprivileged and socially marginalised people. Currently, it holds power in six states and one Union Territory.

The 2017 assembly polls across five states may mark as a watershed moment in the history of Congress which is going all out to maintain its presence as a national political party. Founded in 1885 at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College in Bombay, this is the lowest point in more than 130-year-old history of Congress.

Manipur is another state where Congress is looking to make a comeback, however, it is faced with similar issues as in Uttarakhand, of heavyweights deserting the party. The Congress divided the growing tribal unity, particularly between Kukis and Nagas, by upgrading Sadar Hills to a full-fledged district, while managing to reach out to the dominant Meitei community by cashing in on the ethnic fire, which was a consequence of the decision on Sadar Hills.

The Congress has ruled the country and most of the states for decades after Independence. According to political analysts, dynastic politics, corruption and various other reasons led to its downfall over the years. And BJP’s resurgence under Narendra Modi in 2014 gave the Grand Old Party of Indian politics its biggest blow. Under Rahul Gandhi, it is now trying to infuse fresh ideas and methods in its functioning so that the party once again reaches its prime. And these assembly elections will prove to be acid test for the party.

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