We can talk euphorically & ecstatically about the great wins of our leaders in a first-past-the-post electoral system.
It may not be true that one scoring 31% vote is very popular while opponent with 5% or 10% less is not so.
Innumerable factors come into play, not popularity.
/1
Modi was not a popular mass leader in 2014 and 2019 as some wish to believe it to be.
The power brokers and breakers within Congress and the innumerable power centres within the opposition have divided votes. That ensured their defeat to gift victory to BJP.
/2
BJP increased their voter base thanks to the credibility given by liberals and anti-Congress opposition.
Here one has to distinguish between the cadre base with Ideological links and the floating voters fooled by the lies, promises, dramatic & event management skills of Modi.
/3
Congress with a liberal tag goes about its task with an orderly, cautious and conservative approach.
Most of its present problems generated by this approach. It is out of tune with the current situation and circumstances. Their reaction should be quicker and error-free.
/1
Speaking about the system and its failures, whether internal or external are also part of actions.
Why not open out? The truth is on your side. Even people outside the party are anxiously waiting for the rule of truth and order. It will be a refreshing experience for them.
/2
Rahul can take the lead. It comes naturally to him to speak the truth without any discomfort as he has nothing to conceal.
He does not hurt people as he only intends to bring out what is true and right. If truth hurts some, not telling them will hurt the party and the people.
/3
It is a difficult process, but drastic changes have to happen. The scale of the revival and success of Congress depend on it.
The first option is for Rahul to open up his mind about his plans; what are the drastic changes needed? What are the obstacles presently?
/1
It can happen anytime before becoming INC President or after or even if he opts out of the election.
It has to be a declaration of his intention to bring in changes, sharing his vision for Congress.
The best way is to speak out; Truth is on his side. It is his best weapon.
/2
It may hurt some leaders and their egos. Some may adjust; some may fall out of the new line.
Will there be any serious challenge to Rahul?
When they could not decide on a replacement for two years, how will they challenge him now?
There is no chance for it as at present.
/3
Rahul said many leaders, workers at the grassroots are principled, passionate but are disappointed and remain underutilised due to a lack of opportunities.
They could have become mass leaders with better ground connectivity, in place of ‘opportunistic class conscious' leaders.
/1
Drastic changes are required in Congress organisation and its way of working. But it is a long process. Sometimes the changes and actions are to go on simultaneously. The short term action should include searching and opting for mass-based leaders like @AcharyaPramodk.
/2
It is not a loss for Congress if some of its parched, flaky skin peel out. But inner health is to be set right. There is too much focus at the top but not at the bottom.
Internal democracy is to be restored with error-proof, failproof mechanisms for solving internal disputes.
/3
The Congress supporters and cadres are perplexed and agitated when the Congress campaign fails despite its strengths and speaking truth.
The RSS, BJP wings exploit weaknesses, emotions, passions and negativity. People fall for all lies, succumb to their covert propaganda.
/1
Congress fails to use its strengths. They are to do this with their preexisting weaknesses.
Most of them are known; some are not apparent but embedded in their characteristics.
They are open and cannot act covertly, surreptitiously like RSS is doing it underground.
/2
They lack aggression and look defensive despite speaking the truth. But that is one of many reasons troubling them.
Even in BJP, apart from Modi, Shah, Yogi and some small-time leaders and converts, most of the others are not offensive overtly but are vicious discreetly.
/3
The transition of politicians from individual ambition, supremacy, arrogance & authoritarianism is a natural progression. Modi is a typical example.
Still, we ignore the potential dangers of individual leaders in various states mimicking Modi with their arrogance, supremacies.
/1
Democracy is presently eclipsed by individualism and authoritarianism.
The ‘Kings’ will determine whether the eclipse stays partial, total or permanent and the extent to which democracy survives for the people to exercise their freedom of expression and votes.
/2
We may remain optimistic that the eclipse has to end and the democracy will emerge from behind.
But it will be so if the rulers and their logics, sense, rationality are as predictable as the movement of the planets.
The condition of our democracy continues to be critical.
/3