The resignations of two Congress functionaries, Naseeb Singh and Neeraj Basoya, from the primary membership of the party, following closely on the heels of Delhi Congress President Arvinder Singh Lovely’s departure over the alliance with Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), come as yet another reminder that the grand old party’s central leadership is cut off from the ground realities, and the feelings and sentiments of its hard-core workers. Both Singh and Basoya were Congress election observers for the North-West Delhi and West Delhi Lok Sabha constituencies, respectively. Though their resignation letters are addressed to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, it’s easy to guess who they are meant for, the actual decision-makers.
Singh and Basoya’s letters also provide insight into the humiliation experienced by the Congress workers daily, especially in the context of the alliance with the AAP. Their letters express the deep anguish of the ordinary Congress workers and sympathisers, underlining the drift and disconnect of the Gandhi family and those around them calling the shots. This perceived lack of respect and recognition further exacerbates the sense of alienation and disenchantment among the party members. AAP is a thorn in the flesh for Congress. Kejriwal had practically taken the Congress’ support base lock, stock, and barrel in Delhi. Yet the Congress compromised, knowing well that the alliance would last till the next Assembly polls scheduled early next year.
The grievances outlined in detail by leaders like Arvinder Singh Lovely, Naseeb Singh, and Neeraj Basoya reflect only a fraction of the discontent simmering within the Congress. The spate of resignations by important Congress leaders across the country in the run up to the Lok Sabha election has hit the party hard. Significantly, Rahul Gandhi’s attempt to rejuvenate the Congress’ electoral prospects through his nationwide tour appears to have fallen short of expectations, as evidenced by the lack of support within his own party’s rank and file. The party continues to implode even when the seven-phase parliamentary polls are underway. Its existential crisis thus becomes more critical. The grievances of Congress leaders against the party leadership are indeed multifaceted, and the situation in Delhi adds a layer of acute hurt and anger.
The decision to align with the AAP, coupled with the expectations to defend AAP’s alleged corruption and misdeeds on various platforms, has left many Congress members feeling betrayed and disrespected. The taunts and disrespect from their newfound ally only add insult to injury, exacerbating the sense of humiliation and disillusionment within the party ranks. AAP is a partner of INDIA bloc but it has its own baggage of liabilities. The Gandhi family voting for AAP has multiple implications for the Congress, considering that both parties are fighting against each other in Punjab. The Congress leadership’s desperation to keep alive the INDIA bloc and the compulsion to bend backward to accommodate the wishes of each noteworthy partner under the slightest pressure has impacted its decision-making process.
