With the political corridors buzzing with speculation, the Indian National Congress appears to be at a crossroads with imminent leadership decisions. Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the willingness of Rahul Gandhi and the health-related withdrawal of Sonia Gandhi, the party’s mantle may witness a shift to a non-Gandhi leader after a gap of 23 years. Ashok Gehlot is the name surfacing as a strong contender.
These developments come to light following reports of Sonia Gandhi offering Gehlot the position during their meeting in Delhi. Gehlot, the current Chief Minister of Rajasthan, had recently remarked on the Congress party’s unanimous support for Rahul Gandhi to reassume the role of the party president.
However, if Ashok Gehlot, possessing the backing of the Gandhis, were to file his nomination for the post, he might face a formidable challenge from a candidate backed by the “G-23,”—a group within the party pushing for significant reforms.
In the view of Rasheed Kidwai, a senior journalist and author well-acquainted with the intricacies of the party, another scenario could see Sonia Gandhi choosing to serve once again as the full-time president with the possible appointment of acting presidents, including Gehlot.
This solution could potentially address the longstanding leadership vacuum while simultaneously countering the critique of familial dominance and dynastic politics by installing a party chief from outside the Gandhi lineage. Moreover, the potential appointment of Ashok Gehlot or Sachin Pilot as working presidents might also serve as a solution to the ongoing power struggle in the Rajasthan unit of Congress, which is gearing up for state elections the following year.
Gehlot’s promotion to the top party post could align with a previously made assurance to Pilot, indicating his ascension to Rajasthan’s Chief Ministership in advance of the state elections.
Indubitably, Gehlot’s standing as a devoted party loyalist, an OBC figurehead, and a significant leader in the Hindi belt, where the party is striving to recoup its influence, strengthens his candidacy in the face of the impending 2024 electoral battles against the BJP. However, Gehlot’s hesitation seems rooted in the prospect of relinquishing his Chief Ministerial role should he assume the party’s presidency.
The possibility that the organizational elections could become inconsequential arises if the elected non-Gandhi leader were perceived as merely an extension of the wishes of the existing top brass. Dr. Mukhopadhyay, a noted journalist, asserts that such a selection could also risk fostering internal distrust, intensifying party factionalism, and provoking a struggle over hierarchy.
Kidwai articulates that the election of a non-Gandhi as Congress president would stand as a palpable vote of no-confidence towards Rahul Gandhi. He expressed apprehensions regarding the implications of non-Gandhi leadership, suggesting technical challenges despite its outward feasibility and potential benefits.
As to the role of the G-23, speculation is rife they might enforce an electoral contest. Such an event would resemble the scenario of 2001 when Jitendra Prasada vied for presidency against Sonia Gandhi, albeit unsuccessfully. Yet, who amongst the G-23 would step forward as a candidate remains unanswered. Notably, senior members Ghulam Nabi Azad and Anand Sharma, who have recently signaled protest against the party’s internal operations, do not exhibit a keen desire to run for the presidency.
Kidwai believes the issue for such leaders isn’t an opposition to the Gandhis per se, but against the current hierarchical dynamics, citing the prominent roles of K V Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala as contentious. With limited choices, Shashi Tharoor or Manish Tewari could emerge as potential flag-bearers for the G-23.
However, the distinction between contesting and securing the presidency cannot be ignored. Given the composition of the electoral college and the influential hold of the Gandhi family over the party apparatus, it’s reasonable to presume that a candidate with the Gandhis’ tacit support would enjoy an upper hand.
Only time will tell how the Congress navigates this crucial juncture, as it prepares to solidify its leadership approach to consolidate strength ahead of the forthcoming electoral challenges.
