The latest actions of the Indian National Congress, particularly its outright rejection of the electoral mandate in Haryana, pose serious questions about the party’s commitment to democratic principles. This refusal to accept the will of the people not only undermines the spirit of democracy but also exposes a dangerous precedent that hints at a deeper disregard for the Constitution they often claim to uphold. Democracy thrives on accepting electoral outcomes, regardless of whether they align with one’s aspirations. For Congress, a party that once led India to independence, to now disregard the people’s verdict is a stark departure from its stated values. It appears that, rather than respecting democratic processes, the party has adopted a strategy reminiscent of anarchist tactics that seek to destabilize institutions from within. The Congress’s stance echoes the methods of left-wing extremists and their infamous ideology of “power through the barrel of a gun.” While these extremists confront democratic governments from the shadows, Congress has seemingly adopted a subtler approach. The term “urban Naxals,” often used by the ruling BJP-led NDA government to describe Congress and its allies, may not be far from the truth. The essence of this label lies in the observation that, unlike traditional Naxals who operate in remote areas, Congress’s brand of defiance is articulated from within urban strongholds and even the nation’s capital.
This pattern of behaviour is not unprecedented. Congress’s tacit support for controversial incidents at institutions like Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) reveals a troubling alignment with radical ideologies. JNU, which has been a hub for liberal discourse, has also seen elements that support convicted terrorists like Afzal Guru. The Congress’s indirect endorsement of protests seeking justice for Guru, who was convicted for attacking the Indian Parliament, highlights its willingness to lend legitimacy to anti-national sentiments, all in the name of liberal ideology. Historically, Congress’s actions have often conflicted with national interests. Jawaharlal Nehru’s decision to involve the United Nations in the Kashmir dispute when Indian forces were on the verge of reclaiming the territory from Pakistani invaders set the stage for decades of conflict. Similarly, Nehru’s mishandling of the 1962 war with China resulted in the loss of thousands of square kilometers of Indian territory. These blunders have been etched in the collective memory of a nation that has paid a steep price for Congress’s miscalculations. Today, the Congress seems to be transforming into an anarchist entity under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi. Despite its diminishing presence in Indian politics, with only 99 seats out of 542 in the Lok Sabha after the 2024 elections, the party continues to project itself as a guardian of democratic values. Yet, the irony is stark, given that it was Indira Gandhi, Rahul’s grandmother, who imposed the draconian Emergency in 1975, curbing fundamental freedoms and imprisoning political opponents. Rajiv Gandhi, too, showed disregard for judicial independence by overturning the Supreme Court’s verdict in the Shah Bano case, bowing to regressive demands.
In contrast, the NDA government under Narendra Modi has demonstrated a consistent commitment to economic and social development, encapsulated in its motto of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” (Together with all, Development for all, Trust of all, Efforts of all). The Modi-led government has propelled India to become the fifth-largest economy in the world, a leap from its earlier position as the 12th largest. These achievements stand in stark contrast to the narratives propagated by Congress, which accuses the BJP and RSS of being anti-minority, despite statistics showing significant progress among all communities, including Muslims, under Modi’s leadership. The Congress’s latest declaration of not accepting the people’s mandate in Haryana is a regressive step that raises alarm bells even among its allies in the I.N.D.I.A bloc. As assembly elections loom in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, the Congress’s stance might prove detrimental not only to its own prospects but also to its coalition partners. Its performance in Jammu and Kashmir, where it contested over 30 seats in alliance with the National Conference, was dismal, revealing a disconnect between the party’s strategies and ground realities. The desperation within Congress is palpable. From riding high on exit poll projections to outrightly rejecting electoral results, the party seems to be spiralling into an identity crisis. Its alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which often engages in street-level activism bordering on anarchy, has only further cemented its position as a party more interested in disruption than in constructive politics. The question remains whether the Congress, a party with a storied past and a once formidable presence, will choose the path of renewal and respect for democratic principles or continue down this road of self-destruction and anarchist tendencies. The answer may well shape the future of Indian democracy itself.
