Congress in search of a new look

Party's data wing chief accepts an overhaul is needed; wants centre to consult opposition parties on policy matters

- SUBASHINI VIJAYAKUMAR @ Chennai

The Congress party must focus on a narrative of "politics of aspiration" to appeal to the youth and middle class, said Praveen Chakravarty, chairman of the Professionals' Wing and Data Analytics of the party, on the opening day of the 13th edition of the ThinkEdu Conclave 2025 on Monday.

Interacting with Santwana Bhattacharya, Editor of The New Indian Express on the topic "Looking Forward: Future of the Congress," he shed light on the Congress party's 140-year legacy, need for structural reforms, its electoral performance and alliance strategy.

Praising Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra, he said he would like to believe that the "white t-shirt" symbolised the politics of aspiration apart from the politics of love and justice.

Highlighting a sharp rise in stock market investors under the age of 30-from five lakh in 2013 to four crore today-he pointed to this growth as indicative of aspirations among the youth, even amid challenges like unemployment.

Addressing the contradiction between the Congress critiquing big businesses while appealing to aspirational youth, Chakravarty distinguished between businesses and cronyism.