JHARKHAND, MAHARASHTRA WILL TEST RAHUL'S LEADERSHIP

Rahul Gandhi’s politics is overshadowed by reliance on Venugopal, as Congress’ defeats and failed momentum hinder progress against BJP.

- AJIT MAINDOLA

The upcoming elecintrospection and reform.However, the conference ultimately served to reinforce the Gandhi family's control. Rajasthan Chief Minister tions in Maharash. Ashok Gehlot played a key T tra and Jharkhand are pivotal for the political future of Congress and the I.N.D.I. Alliance, as well as a significant test for Rahul Gandhi's leadership. A loss in either state, particularly in Maharashtra, could have far-reaching consequences for the opposition. Such a setback would threaten the unity of the alliance and reignite internal dissent within Congress. Similar questions about Rahul Gandhi's leadership emerged following a string of electoral losses in 2022, including the Uttar Pradesh defeat. At that time, a group of 23 senior Congress leaders raised concerns about the party's direction and decision-making under Rahul's leadership.

In response, the party convened the Nav Sankalp Sammelan in Udaipur in May 2022, ostensibly for role in ensuring party unity behind the Gandhis, sending a clear message that no one could challenge their authority. Despite lofty resolutions, the party failed to implement substantive changes, leaving its organisational structure stagnant.