The procrastination by the Congress High Command and the assault on the already beleaguered Goa Congress by the coterie of senior Goa Congressmen was further damaging the party. Though late, the final decision not to change the GPCC President will control any further damage. This decision will be welcomed by the Goan electorate as it seals the instability and indicates that Congress wants to make a shift to younger and new faces in the organization.
Though perceived to be risky, the same trend may be seen in the nomination of party candidates for the 2022 assembly elections. Congress needs to take these bold steps in recognition of public sentiment. It cannot lose more than it has already lost with such a change in gear.
The seniors have served Congress and substantially benefited too in power, position and riches. They need to step aside in the interests of the party as the public perception is they are self-centred, power-hungry with allegations of covert dealings with BJP. Some of them are almost ineffective if not senile. There is no doubt that currently, they have fallen in the eyes of a large section of Congress voters. The minority community itself is refusing to fall prey to the minority card flashed by the senior leaders who otherwise don't see eye to eye but ganged up to be the chief of GPCC knowing election time provides the opportunity to distribute the largesse.
Today's clear stand of the Congress High Command and of Rahul Gandhi exhorting the Congress leaders to work together for the victory of the party, staying silent on leadership change will come as a relief to Congress sympathizers and should enthuse the workers and aspiring candidates of the party. A party reshuffle to resurrect the old order would have been worse for Congress. It would have been good music for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ready and waiting in the wings for the Congress to make the silly mistake to grab the centre stage. BJP too would have danced seeing the happy hours for them.
None expected the Congress High Command to declare its Chief Ministerial candidate at the Delhi confabulations today. Elections in recent years are fought by parties announcing their Chief of Army as if it is a war with the enemy. For the first time in 70 years, the Prime Minister of India is seen descending on the campaign pitch with full venom not seen in any former PM. Congress, largely due to internal power games of Congressmen have failed to project their leader taking shelter of the Constitutional etiquette that it is for the legislature party to elect its leader after the elections. It would be better if the Goa Congress gives a strong indication if not an official declaration.
Congress is also well known for not declaring their contesting candidates and making it at the nick of time. Ostensibly, this is done to prevent 'revolts', though finally, we see multiple Congressmen in the electoral ring. Here also, it would be smart politics if the party declares the official candidate reasonably in advance in maximum constituencies and holds a bunch undeclared for final adjustments. This gives clarity to grass-root workers and any revolt could get eased out well before the elections. The contesting candidate gets the confidence to do all that is required and keep nothing unturned to reach the destination. Sadly, this is not seen in Congress though the voters, workers and sympathizers would expect it in today's times of competitive politics.
All said and done, the Congress High Command has not changed much. There is no assertive statement in the public domain on the Goa Congress leadership issue. It looks that the same is sufficiently communicated to the Congress leaders in internal forums. But, the war of words may commence after a temporary ceasefire. Finally, they are Congressmen and they are masters to ensure the defeat of the Congress!
