After recent electoral defeats, the Congress Party must adapt to survive and thrive in the changing political landscape.

Following dismal performances in Maharashtra and Haryana elections, Congress is at a critical juncture. The party must implement significant organizational reforms and address internal divisions to re-establish its political relevance.

Jotirmoy Roy, AB News, New Delhi: The Congress Party finds itself in a precarious situation as it grapples with the aftershocks of disheartening electoral defeats in Maharashtra and Haryana. These losses have ignited calls for introspection and organizational restructuring, indicating a need for severe course correction within the party. As the 140th founding anniversary approaches on December 28, the urgency for decisive action has never been greater.

Central to this discussion is the party’s leadership, which has initiated reforms beginning in Uttar Pradesh by dissolving state, district, city and block committees. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s approval of these changes signals a desire to inject fresh energy into the organization. However, questions remain about the substantive nature of these reforms and whether they can truly address the underlying issues plaguing the party — namely, factionalism, lack of discipline and diminished public resonance.

The recent defeats have raised significant concerns about the effectiveness of the Congress organizational structure. The party’s previous successes in 2024, winning 99 seats, now seem like a distant memory as consecutive failures highlight a disturbing trend of regression. Political analysts suggest that the disarray resulting from internal power struggles and a failure to connect with core voters significantly contributed to the rotten electoral outcomes.

Kharge has aptly pointed out that accountability is essential. However, accountability without action and strategic planning is ineffective. Why have the decisions made during the Udaipur Chintan Shivir not been implemented thoroughly? Why does factionalism continue unbridled within the party? These unresolved issues will not only hinder the Congress’s resurgence but also fracture its already weakened support base.

Furthermore, the Congress Party must also consider the growing pressure to reinstate the 4% reservation for Muslims in Karnataka. Public sentiment in favour of such a reinstatement remains strong since it was a vital electoral issue in the recent legislative elections. Moving quickly on this front would not only solidify support within this voting bloc but also present the Congress as an organization that listens and acts on the needs of its constituents.

While the dissolution of state bodies and the prospect of introducing fresh leadership are steps in the right direction, Congress should not merely rely on new faces to revive its fortunes. It must undertake a holistic review of its stance on key social issues, ensure coherent messaging that resonates with voters and build a structure that promotes discipline and unity.

As Congress prepares to celebrate its long history and relevance, it must also acknowledge the harsh truth of the present — the road to recovery will not be easy. The party’s leadership faces a formidable task of rebuilding trust and unity amongst its ranks while formulating a strategy that aligns with contemporary socio-political dynamics.

The upcoming months are pivotal for the Congress Party, as future electoral outcomes will hinge on the effectiveness and swiftness of these necessary reforms. If it wishes to regain its foothold in Indian politics, the Congress must emerge from this period of reckoning with a renewed vision and an unwavering commitment to accountability. The clock is ticking and the time for action is now.