Does India need Congress anymore?

The recently concluded Delhi elections have sent shockwaves through India’s political landscape, reinforcing a narrative that has been unfolding for over a decade—the continuous decline of the Indian National Congress. For the third consecutive term, Congress has failed to secure a single seat in Delhi, a city once considered a stronghold of the grand old party. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party has secured a historic victory, marking its return to power in the capital after 27 years. This result raises a fundamental question: Does India still need Congress?

The Congress party, once synonymous with India's independence movement and post-colonial development, now finds itself on the periphery of national and state politics. Its inability to win a single seat in Delhi for three straight terms is not just an electoral setback but a glaring indictment of its relevance in today’s India. If the people of the national capital—often seen as the political bellwether—do not trust Congress, how can the party claim to be a viable alternative for national leadership? The party’s failure in Delhi is not an isolated incident. Over the years, Congress has suffered repeated electoral defeats in multiple states, failing to retain its traditional vote bank. From being a party that once commanded a pan-India presence, it has been reduced to a regional player in a few select states. This systemic decline calls into question its ability to lead and govern the nation.

A major reason for Congress’s downward spiral is its inability to connect with the aspirations of modern India. While the BJP has successfully rebranded itself as a party that speaks to the hopes of a new India—one that is technologically advanced, economically ambitious, and globally assertive—Congress remains trapped in the past. Its leadership struggles with internal factionalism, a lack of decisive vision, and an outdated political strategy. Moreover, Congress’s leadership crisis is a significant factor. The party’s top brass continues to revolve around the Gandhi family, raising questions about its commitment to internal democracy. In contrast, the BJP has cultivated strong, charismatic leaders who command both public trust and party loyalty. The Congress’s insistence on dynastic politics has alienated many young voters who seek merit-based leadership and accountability.

The lack of a clear ideological stance has also weakened Congress. While the BJP has successfully projected a strong nationalist, development-oriented vision, Congress appears to be struggling with its identity. Is it a party of socialist ideals? A secular bulwark against majoritarianism? A champion of liberal democracy? Without a coherent narrative, it becomes difficult for voters to rally behind the party’s agenda. This ideological ambiguity has also led to policy inconsistencies. Congress has been unable to articulate a strong economic or social policy that differentiates it from the ruling party. The absence of a clear blueprint for India’s development, coupled with a history of corruption scandals and misgovernance, has made it difficult for voters to place their trust in Congress.

The recent Delhi elections have underscored BJP’s growing dominance and Congress’s increasing irrelevance. BJP’s ability to strategize effectively, mobilize resources, and engage voters at the grassroots level has given it a decisive edge. On the other hand, Congress appears to be relying on nostalgia rather than innovation. Elections are won on the basis of performance, credibility, and vision—factors that Congress has struggled to demonstrate. BJP’s return to power in Delhi after 27 years is a testament to its ability to reinvent itself and address voter concerns. Whether it is economic policies, governance, or national security, the party has presented a compelling narrative that resonates with the electorate. In contrast, Congress has failed to inspire confidence in its leadership, leading to its consistent electoral failures.

The fundamental question remains: Can Congress revive itself, or is it doomed to political irrelevance? While it still has pockets of influence in some states, the party must undertake radical structural and ideological reforms if it wishes to remain a serious contender in national politics. It needs a leadership overhaul, a clear vision for India’s future, and a return to grassroots engagement. Most importantly, Congress must listen to the voters. The repeated electoral drubbings indicate that the party is out of sync with the aspirations of the Indian people. Unless it adapts to the changing political landscape and presents a compelling alternative to the BJP, its survival as a national force remains doubtful.

The Delhi election results have once again exposed Congress’s diminishing political footprint. With its failure to secure even a single seat in three consecutive elections, the question of its necessity in Indian politics becomes increasingly relevant. As India progresses towards a new political era dominated by strong leadership and decisive governance, Congress must either evolve or risk complete obsolescence. If Congress continues on its current trajectory, it may soon become a footnote in India’s political history rather than a force that shapes the nation’s destiny. The onus is now on the party to reinvent itself—if it still hopes to remain a meaningful part of India’s future. (Image Courtesy: India Today)