Congress in Crisis: Rahul Gandhi's Statement Sparks Ideological Battle

The recent statement by Rahul Gandhi, accusing a section of Gujarat Congress leaders of working for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has triggered an internal crisis within the party. His assertion that 30-40 Congress members could be expelled for their alleged proximity to the BJP is not just a momentary electoral concern but an indication of a deeper ideological battle brewing within the party.

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh’s remarks further fueled this internal discord. By recalling how he was once told not to criticize the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Gujarat, Singh highlighted a longstanding dilemma within Congress—whether to confront or accommodate Hindutva politics. His assertion that RSS does not represent Hindus but merely exploits religion for political gain brings back memories of the Congress’s fluctuating stance on Hindutva.

This is not the first time such allegations have surfaced. Congress has long been accused of harboring leaders who, while outwardly opposing the BJP, maintain covert ties with the ruling dispensation. The Gujarat unit’s case is a stark reflection of this phenomenon. In states where Congress has been weakened electorally, especially in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka, whispers of collusion between local Congress leaders and the BJP have often emerged.

Gujarat, a stronghold of BJP since 1995, has seen multiple Congress defections over the years. The infamous mass exodus of Congress MLAs before the 2017 Rajya Sabha elections, which led to Ahmed Patel’s narrow victory, was a clear instance of BJP’s penetration into the party’s ranks. In the 2022 Assembly elections, several Congress leaders either resigned or switched allegiance to BJP, weakening the party’s grassroots presence.

The ideological divide within Congress over its approach to Hindutva has only intensified over time. On one hand, leaders like Digvijaya Singh have consistently opposed any form of soft Hindutva, warning against the perils of aligning with majoritarian narratives. On the other hand, there have been voices within the party advocating for a strategic repositioning on the Hindutva spectrum. A section of Congress believes that countering the BJP’s ideological dominance requires embracing a version of Hindutva that appeals to Hindu voters, a strategy often referred to as ‘soft Hindutva.’ This is evident in leaders like Kamal Nath, who performed religious rituals and temple visits in Madhya Pradesh, and even Rahul Gandhi’s own temple runs during the Gujarat election campaign in 2017.

Rahul Gandhi, however, has remained steadfast in his opposition to adopting any semblance of Hindutva. His remarks in Gujarat, categorically rejecting the idea that Congress should try to outmatch BJP on this issue, signify his commitment to a secular, inclusive political identity. But his firm stance raises critical questions—if Congress truly decides to purge its ranks of those who allegedly align with BJP’s ideology, how many leaders will remain? Given the party’s electoral struggles, especially in states like Gujarat where it has been out of power for nearly three decades, can it afford to alienate a significant portion of its cadre?

The challenge also extends to other Congress-ruled states and the national level. If Rahul Gandhi follows through with his plan, it could lead to widespread turmoil within the party. A situation where a large chunk of Congress’s leadership is expelled or forced out due to ideological nonconformity would, ironically, play into the hands of BJP, further consolidating its grip over Indian politics. The fear of a mass exodus looms large, as any strong disciplinary action could push the dissidents straight into BJP’s fold, as has happened numerous times in the past.

The Congress high command now faces a crucial test. Identifying BJP sympathizers within its ranks is easier said than done, as political allegiances are often fluid and opportunistic. If a purge does happen, it could expose the extent to which Congress leaders have been engaging in behind-the-scenes negotiations with the ruling party. And if the number of such leaders is alarmingly high, it raises a more fundamental question—has the Congress, in its current form, already been infiltrated beyond repair?

The broader implication of this crisis is also significant. If Congress leaders at various levels are found to be ideologically inclined toward the RSS-BJP camp, it suggests that the saffron party’s influence has extended far beyond electoral victories; it has reshaped the political landscape in a way where even opposition leaders see no viable alternative to aligning with Hindutva. This could be a troubling sign for India’s democratic framework, as it hints at a future where political diversity is overshadowed by a singular ideological dominance.

Rahul Gandhi’s statement, therefore, is not just an indictment of a few Gujarat Congress leaders; it is a reflection of the party’s existential crisis. The Congress must decide whether to take the difficult path of ideological purity and risk losing its remaining ground or adopt a pragmatic approach that allows for some flexibility in dealing with Hindutva politics. Either way, the decisions made in the coming months will shape not just the party’s fate but also the broader opposition politics in India.