New Delhi, April 4, 2024 — In a scathing attack on the Congress party, Sanjay Nirupam, the expelled leader from Maharashtra, has laid bare the internal strife and ideological disintegration within the party. Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, Nirupam accused the party’s leadership of “tremendous arrogance” and the proliferation of “power centres” that constantly clash with each other.
The Five Power Centres
Nirupam’s revelations shed light on the factionalism plaguing the Congress. He identified five distinct power centres, each vying for influence and control:
- Sonia Gandhi: The original power centre, Sonia Gandhi, has long been a central figure in the party. However, her influence has waned over time.
- Rahul Gandhi: The scion of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty, Rahul Gandhi, operates independently, often charting his own course.
- Priyanka Gandhi Vadra: Priyanka Gandhi exerts her power in her unique way, maintaining her own coterie within the party.
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- Mallikarjun Kharge: The party president, Kharge, has seen his followers rise to prominence, despite their limited political acumen.
- K.C. Venugopal: The last power centre, Venugopal, remains an enigma, but his influence cannot be ignored.
Structural Disintegration
Nirupam lamented the party’s structural decay. “Earlier,” he said, “there used to be one power centre, and it had its own caucus. The others fought against this coterie. But now, there are five centres, each with their own lobbies. And their lobbies clash against each other.”
The consequences of this internal strife are far-reaching. Nirupam emphasized that those like him, who do not belong to any clique, often find themselves under immense pressure. The party’s ranks have fragmented both ideologically and structurally, weakening its ability to present a united front.
Expulsion and Political Resilience
Nirupam’s expulsion came after he criticized the party’s alliance with the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra. His statements, though controversial, were rooted in what he believed was in the Congress’s interest. Undeterred by his removal, Nirupam declared that he would contest the general election from the Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency and emerge victorious.
Financial Crisis and the Road Ahead
In addition to the internal power struggle, Nirupam raised concerns about the party’s “serious financial crisis.” The Income Tax Department’s notices on overdue tax payments have added to the party’s woes. As the Congress grapples with its internal divisions and financial challenges, it faces an uphill battle in regaining its political footing.
Nirupam’s departure underscores the need for the Congress to address its internal fault lines and rejuvenate its organizational structure. Whether the party can overcome these challenges and emerge stronger remains to be seen.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of the Congress party.
References:
Neeraj Tiwari