It is often said that unless there is an active opposition displaying fighting spirit in a multi-party democratic environment, it will be difficult for democracy to thrive and progress. This is true in respect of any democratic form of government and more so in India since it boasts to be the largest of the kind in the world. And given the current subdued mood of the Congress which also happens to be principal opposition party, it seems that the graph of vibrancy of democratic practices is heading southwards, which is not a healthy sign for Indian democracy.

It’s been almost three months since the hustle and bustle of LS elections has been over. With a landslide victory, BJP-led NDA has again walked through the corridors of power and the Congress and the opposition had failed in their  endeavour to overthrow BJP led by Modi-Shah duo.  Since then the grand old party of India has gone into disarray and the sunken feeling that gripped it multiplied as its chief Rahul Gandhi tendered resignation. If the electoral drubbing was a shock for the party, stepping down of the most prominent scion of the Gandhi family and his  steadfast stand of not withdrawing resignation in spite of deluge of pleas gave rise to a state of utter confusion and a strange demoralization and dejection  has percolated to the lowest ranks of the party. After the great defeat of 1977, it was felt that the Congress days will be over for ever. But it is all known what happened- Congress returned back to power just three years later in 1980 and ruled for almost a decade till 1989 and it will draw little debate if it is said that this turnaround was possible since the central leadership was kept intact and didn’t fell apart just as it is happening now.

And just at the moment a positive feeling was gradually gaining momentum with  Sonia Gandhi  taking  charge after the 77-day drama, even if as interim Congress chief,  revocation of Article 370 made its effect felt,  strangely  within the party itself.  While senior party leaders like P Chidambaram and Ghulam Nabi Azad launched scathing attacks  against the ruling dispensation,  gen-next Congress leaders like  Jyotiraditya Scindia and Deepender Hooda  have given  their thumbs up, causing  deep embarrassment for the century plus old party.  

It is hard times for the Congress no doubt. But it must realise that since it is playing the role of main opposition party in parliament, it must revive itself fast for the sake of itself and the Indian democracy too.   

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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