The Congress high command under Rahul Gandhi increasingly appears weak, according to discussions within party circles.
Many observers compare Rahul Gandhi’s leadership style to that of his father, Rajiv Gandhi, describing him as soft-spoken and less assertive.
In contrast, leaders such as Indira Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi were known for exercising stronger control over the party organisation and enforcing discipline more effectively.
Recent political developments have strengthened these perceptions.
Following the Congress’ electoral success in Kerala, Rahul Gandhi reportedly preferred K.C. Venugopal for the Chief Minister’s post.
However, he was unable to ensure that outcome, as V D Satheesan and his supporters emerged dominant in the state leadership equation and influenced the final decision.
Similarly, during the prolonged power struggle in Karnataka between Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar, Rahul Gandhi appeared unable to bring the situation under control.
Party insiders believe that it was only after Priyanka Gandhi’s intervention that tensions eased and D.K. Shivakumar’s elevation as Chief Minister within the government structure was strengthened.
In Telangana, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has often acted independently.
His inauguration of an NTR statue in Hyderabad and his cordial public interactions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi have generated speculation within political circles.
There are frequent discussions about his independent political trajectory, yet the Congress high command appears to have exercised little visible influence over him.
Questions are also being raised in Andhra Pradesh, where Y.S. Sharmila, the Congress leader, is widely perceived to maintain a politically cooperative relationship with the TDP. Despite such perceptions, the Congress leadership has remained largely silent.
Taken together, these developments have fuelled arguments that the Congress may function more effectively under Sonia Gandhi or Priyanka Gandhi than under Rahul Gandhi.
Nevertheless, the party continues to hold significant influence in southern states.
Supporters and critics alike argue that the Congress’ successes in Karnataka, Telangana, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where it is part of an alliance, have been driven primarily by strong regional leaders rather than Rahul Gandhi’s leadership.
Written By Kiran Sharma
