CONGRESS' SURVIVAL HINGES ON SONIA GANDHI'S DECISIVENESS

Congress faces internal strife, late campaigns, and AAP-BJP dominance, risking a complete wipeout in Delhi elections

- AJIT MAINDOLA

If Sonia Gandhi does not intervene promptly, the Congress may face defections in neighboring states like Haryana and Rajasthan, further weakening the party. From Rahul Gandhi's sudden illness and the confusion surrounding the upcoming Delhi elections to disagreements over organizational changes, the Congress party seems to be engulfed in a turmoil.

Adding to the chaos is the growing disappointment among leaders and workers over the regulations at the new headquarters.

Internal conflicts are also intensifying as leaders and workers are demoralized by repeated poll defeats, and the Delhi elections have turned into a steep challenge due to the entrenched dominance of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the region. Both AAP and BJP have implemented extensive welfare schemes, such as AAP's free water and power programs and BJP's financial support initiatives for various demographics, which have solidified their voter bases and made it difficult for Congress to establish a distinct presence.