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Gaining political ground till few months ago, Congress once again loses the plot in Gujarat

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8 years ago

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Gaining political ground till few months ago, Congress once again loses the plot in Gujarat

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With imminent defeat of Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s political secretary Ahmed Patel in the Aug 8 RS polls, grand old party stares at another humiliation

By Puneet Nicholas Yadav

The signs are clear. There’s another humiliation coming the Congress’ way – and this time, for reasons that are more inter-personal than purely political, it could hit much closer home than the slew of poll debacles that the grand old party has faced over the past three years or the more recent collapse of its Mahagathbandhan government in Bihar where it was a minor partner.

Gujarat, where the Congress had till a few months ago, hoped to finally make incremental electoral gains in the Assembly polls due in December this year, is once again slipping away. And the indications of the Congress party’s perilous ride ahead have come in earlier than expected:  11 of its legislators cross-voted in the Presidential polls for BJP nominee Ram Nath Kovind;  senior leader Shankersinh Vaghela predictably quit the party, and now the Congress is staring at an imminent defeat for its candidate – Ahmed Patel – in the Rajya Sabha polls due on August 8.

Six of the party’s 57 MLAs have resigned over the past three days, three of them have joined the BJP and speculation is rife that at least a dozen more may quit in the days to come. As a last ditch effort to keep its flock together, the Congress has flown 44 of its MLAs to the Egleton Resort near Ramanagara in Bengaluru, hoping that they would stay with the party at least till they cast their votes for Ahmed Patel in the RS polls. But then, the lure of five star hospitality isn’t really a guarantee for support in politics and it is uncertain whether these legislators will indeed do what their party wants them to.

But the Rajya Sabha election of Ahmed Patel – and his possible defeat in it – will assume greater significance for the Congress party for it won’t be just another defeat of just another candidate – those the Congress has had aplenty in recent years and even collectively they haven’t really been able to jolt the Grand Old Party out of its slumber.

For starters, Patel – a four-term Rajya Sabha member from Gujarat since 1993 – is the political secretary to Congress president Sonia Gandhi and though he maintains a low-profile and rarely ever interacts with the media, it is widely known that Sonia rarely ever takes any important political decision without discussing it first with Patel. As such, Patel enjoys a clout within the Congress leadership that is matched by no other party leader – with the exception of Sonia and her son, party vice-president Rahul Gandhi.

Gaining political ground till few months ago, Congress once again loses the plot in Gujarat

The immediate reason for Patel’s possible defeat in the RS polls is being attributed to defections being orchestrated by Vaghela – who had left the BJP to join the Congress nearly two decades ago but quit the Congress last week, ostensibly upset over the party’s reluctance to name him as its chief ministerial candidate ahead of the December 2017 assembly polls in Gujarat. However, Congress leaders from the state as well as some of Patel’s detractors in the AICC, say that Vaghela is only the face of the party’s latest trouble. There is a much bigger message that the party wants to send to Sonia by ensuring Patel’s defeat – that she, and Patel by proxy, can’t continue to run Congress’ affairs in Gujarat in the same manner as they do now and that the grassroots workers and state leadership can no longer be run roughshod over.

“Let’s face it.The Congress party’s position in Gujarat is not going to improve if Madam (read Sonia) continues to rely solely on Ahmed Patel to run the party’s affairs in Gujarat. Rahul doesn’t seem interested in the party anyway. Ahmed bhai knows that given the access he has to the party president, no leader will confront him directly but if he loses the election then the party might start listening to others too,” said a senior Gujarat Congress leader, requesting anonymity.

Raghavjee Patel, Congress MLA from Jamnagar (rural) who is considered close to Vaghela, was more forthcoming with his displeasure with the party’s internal affairs. “No senior leader wants to listen to us. I had seen this situation coming several months ago and had even told Ahmed Patel that he’ll lose the RS poll if corrective steps aren’t taken within the state Congress but he chose to not do anything. We can’t meet Sonia Gandhi directly because Ahmed bhai keeps a close watch on her appointments,” Raghavjee said.

In a clear sign of his frustration with the party leadership, Raghavjee admitted that he too was going to resign from the Congress in days to come. “What other option do I have when no one is willing to hear me in my own party”, he said, adding rather candidly: “In politics, no one wants to continue with the losing side. Ours is a bipolar state and the BJP is the only other player. It would be my natural choice once I quit the party,” he said.

Senior leaders feel that Patel’s defeat could finally force the Congress high command to wonder how it allowed things to reach such a pass in Gujarat.

Gaining political ground till few months ago, Congress once again loses the plot in Gujarat

Although out of power in the state for almost 30 years – and nearly marginalized in the post-2002 riots era by then chief minister and now Prime Minister Narendra Modi – the Congress had been hopeful of substantial gains in Gujarat till just a few months ago. The Patel agitation led by Hardik Patel, the Dalit agitation after the barbaric flogging of Dalits in Una, the shaky innings of Anandiben Patel as chief minister post Modi and the massive anti-GST protests in Surat and Ahmedabad, had finally given enough ammunition to the Congress to launch a full-frontal attack on the BJP, abetted by a finally visible anti-incumbency.

But then, in its classic Grand Old style, the Congress seems to have squandered away its golden opportunity of reclaiming Gujarat once again. With BJP national president Amit Shah now set to enter Rajya Sabha from the state, the Congress will find itself in an even more troubled spot – in national politics, inside the Parliament and certainly in Gujarat.

Perhaps, like he claimed to have seen the power-swap of Nitish Kumar coming some three months ago, Rahul Gandhi may have a premonition about the Gujarat debacle too. But as is his ‘style’, it seems he’s willing to do little to correct what’s going so terribly wrong for his party.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Rahul Gandhi attacks Centre ahead of Vladimir Putin’s India visit

Rahul Gandhi alleged that the government discourages visiting foreign dignitaries from meeting Opposition leaders, calling it a sign of “insecurity,” hours before Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Delhi.

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1 day ago

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December 4, 2025

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Rahul Gandhi

As Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Delhi today for the India-Russia Annual Summit, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has renewed his charge that the Centre discourages visiting foreign leaders from meeting Opposition representatives. He called it a sign of “insecurity” within the government.

Rahul Gandhi alleges break in long-followed tradition

Speaking outside Parliament, Rahul Gandhi said that it has traditionally been the norm for visiting foreign leaders to meet the Leader of the Opposition, a practice he claims continued during the tenures of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh.

He alleged that the present government advises foreign dignitaries against such meetings. “When foreign leaders come, the government suggests they should not meet the Leader of the Opposition. This is their policy,” Gandhi said. He added that a meeting with the Opposition offers visiting leaders a broader perspective, as “we too represent India.”

Gandhi further stated that this approach reflects the government’s reluctance to allow engagement between the Opposition and foreign guests.

Former Foreign Secretary counters Gandhi’s remarks

Responding to Gandhi’s allegations, former Foreign Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla said visiting leaders operate on very tight schedules and there is no protocol mandating a meeting with the Leader of the Opposition. He stressed that such interactions depend entirely on the guest’s time and preference, noting that the required meetings are those with the President and the Prime Minister.

Putin’s schedule packed with bilateral engagements

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to land in Delhi this evening on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation. His itinerary includes:

  • A private dinner with PM Modi
  • Visit to Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial at Raj Ghat
  • Engagements at Bharat Mandapam and Hyderabad House
  • A banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu

The visit forms part of the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.

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TMC MLA Humayun Kabir suspended after Babri Mosque replica proposal sparks row

TMC suspended MLA Humayun Kabir after he proposed building a Babri mosque replica in Murshidabad, a move that drew criticism from the party and sparked political tension.

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1 day ago

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December 4, 2025

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Trinamool Congress on Thursday suspended MLA Humayun Kabir after he publicly announced plans to construct a replica of the Babri Masjid in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district. Party leaders said Kabir had earlier been cautioned for making such statements but continued to push ahead with the controversial proposal.

Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim said the MLA’s remarks were unacceptable, stressing that the party stood firmly by its secular stance. “We noticed that one of our MLAs suddenly declared he would build the Babri masjid. We had warned him before. As per the party’s decision, we are suspending him,” he said.

Kabir vows to continue project, may form new party

Kabir had planned to lay the foundation stone for the mosque replica in Beldanga on December 6. Sources indicated he is likely to resign from Trinamool on Friday and float a new party while continuing with the project.

The choice of date and nature of the project drew sharp criticism from the Trinamool leadership. Hakim alleged the move reflected a “divisional politics” strategy aligned with the BJP. “Why December 6? He could build a school or college. This is divisional politics,” he said.

Sources also said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was “hugely annoyed” by Kabir’s remarks and informed him that the party would not support or associate with such activities.

Governor raises concerns, administration on alert

West Bengal Governor Ananda Bose questioned why action was not being taken if the MLA’s statements risked creating a law-and-order issue. He said intelligence inputs suggested attempts to turn Murshidabad into a “hub of scandal,” adding that authorities would not remain silent if communal tensions were provoked.

Officials confirmed that while Kabir has permission to hold the December 6 event, the administration is maintaining a high-level alert in Murshidabad.

Minutes after his suspension, Kabir withdrew from Mamata Banerjee’s rally in the India–Bangladesh border district, where she was protesting against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists.

BJP attacks Kabir over remarks

BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo condemned Kabir’s comments, claiming they were intended to “create communal tensions.” He said any attempt to raise structures linked to historical rulers would trigger disputes similar to the Babri Masjid conflict.

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Karnataka Power Shift: What Siddaramaiah–DK Shivakumar compromise formula means

A closer look at the emerging ‘compromise formula’ between Karnataka’s top leaders Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar, and how it may shape the state’s political future.

Published

6 days ago

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November 29, 2025

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A possible settlement between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has emerged, signalling a calmer phase in the leadership tussle within the state Congress. While the final decision rests with the party leadership in Delhi, details of the so-called “compromise formula” are gradually becoming clearer.

Breakfast diplomacy calms tensions

After weeks of speculation over friction between the two top leaders, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar met over breakfast today. The meeting, aimed at projecting unity, served as a symbolic reset after their strained ties over the chief ministership question.

Analysts believe the optics were crucial — the Congress successfully avoided a public showdown by diffusing tensions before they escalated further.

A transition of power likely, say analysts

According to political observers, the compromise indicates a strong possibility of Shivakumar taking over as Chief Minister in a smooth transition, potentially as early as March–April 2026.
For now, sources say the arrangement requires Shivakumar to continue as Deputy Chief Minister without pushing for immediate change.

In return, the formula reportedly includes more cabinet positions for leaders loyal to Shivakumar and continuation of his role as the state Congress chief. Siddaramaiah is also expected to back Shivakumar as the party’s face for the 2028 Assembly election.

Why the Congress prefers this route

Replacing Siddaramaiah abruptly would not only upset internal balance but could also weaken the party, given his stature and mass appeal. Shivakumar, despite his influence, does not have the numbers within the legislature to force a takeover, making compromise the most viable path.

Siddaramaiah has already stated that this will be his final term as Chief Minister. With his legacy secure and his position as one of Karnataka’s tallest leaders intact, he appears willing to enable a dignified transition when the time comes.

Variables that could shape the final outcome

The success of the formula depends on three key factors:

1. Trust between the two leaders

Whether Shivakumar believes Siddaramaiah will keep his word remains uncertain. Karnataka’s political history is full of last-minute shifts, giving rise to the phrase “natak in Karnataka”.

2. Decision-making by the Congress high command

Delhi’s leadership must ensure the transition happens on time and without internal resistance, especially in the run-up to the 2028 Assembly polls.

3. Caste equations and political alignment

Siddaramaiah is the strongest face of the AHINDA bloc, while Shivakumar represents the OBC Vokkaliga community. The Congress cannot afford to alienate either group, making the timing and execution of any transition extremely delicate.

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