Hindi English Translation || Editorial || Work in progress: On the Congress and its Ahmedabad session

Work in progress: On the Congress and its Ahmedabad session

The Congress high command culture does not suit district-level decision-making

The All India Congress Committee (AICC)/Congress Working Committee session in Ahmedabad, on April 8-9, aimed to convey (व्यक्त करना, प्रकट करना) the Congress’s intent to usher in organisational reforms at the grass-roots level and bring ideological (वैचारिक) clarity. The capital city of Gujarat with a rich history in India’s freedom struggle was a symbolic (प्रतीकात्मक) setting to reflect the crisis that the party is grappling (संघर्ष करना) with. The Congress has been out of power for 30 years in Gujarat, which is now closely associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s model of politics and governance. The conclave reaffirmed the party’s commitment to constitutional values such as secularism, pluralism, federalism, and inclusive (समावेशी) growth — principles that once defined the Congress and which, it alleges, are now under threat. Party leader Rahul Gandhi reiterated (बार-बार दोहराना) the focus on social justice, including the demand for a nationwide caste census and the removal of the 50% ceiling on quotas. These would form the basis for future policy initiatives of Congress governments in the States, as well as any government it may lead at the Centre. Another key aspect of the Congress’s revival strategy hinges on its ability to build an effective party organisation at the grass roots. Signalling a shift away from its high-command culture, the party announced that district committees and district-level leadership would form the bedrock of decision-making and accountability (जवाबदेही, उत्तरदायित्व).

While the deliberations (विचार-विमर्श) signalled the party’s seriousness about bouncing back, critical questions remain beyond idealism and symbolism. Almost all its State units are plagued by power struggles and factionalism (गुटबाजी), often damaging the party’s electoral prospects. Whether district-level decision-making will intensify or contain factionalism is a question only the implementation of the revamp plan can answer. The attempt might be to squeeze the domineering (Asserting one's will over others in an arrogant way) regional chieftains between grass-roots leaders and the high command. It is also unclear how, when politics is increasingly centralised in terms of resources, messaging and planning, the Congress can achieve results by shifting authority to districts. In the absence of a clear road map — especially one that addresses the aspirations of India’s youth and emerging middle class — the party risks retreating into nostalgia (पुरानी यादें) rather than crafting a forward-looking vision. Building on its legacy, the Congress now needs political imagination, strategic clarity and organisational discipline. The Ahmedabad session, for all its symbolism and sincerity, must be seen as a beginning. It is a work in progress, and the months ahead will test whether the session on the banks of the Sabarmati marks a true turning point or just another event in the party’s ongoing quest (खोज, तलाश) for renewal.

Courtesy: The Hindu

Important Word List With Meaning

1.Convey (Verb)

Hindi Meaning - व्यक्त करना, प्रकट करना
English Meaning - To communicate or make known.

2.Ideological (Adjective)

Hindi Meaning - वैचारिक
English Meaning - Based on a system of ideas or beliefs.

3.Grapple (Verb)

Hindi Meaning - संघर्ष करना
English Meaning - To struggle or deal with something difficult.

4.Symbolic (Adjective)

Hindi Meaning - प्रतीकात्मक
English Meaning - Representing something else, especially a larger idea.

5.Inclusive (Adjective)

Hindi Meaning - समावेशी
English Meaning - Including all types of people and ideas.

6.Reiterate (Verb)

Hindi Meaning - बार-बार दोहराना
English Meaning - To say or do something again, often for emphasis.

7.Accountability (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - जवाबदेही, उत्तरदायित्व
English Meaning - The condition of being responsible or answerable.

8.Deliberation (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - विचार-विमर्श
English Meaning - Careful consideration or discussion before a decision.

9.Factionalism (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - गुटबाजी
English Meaning - Conflict within a group due to internal divisions.

10.Nostalgia (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - पुरानी यादें
English Meaning - A sentimental longing for the past.

11.Quest (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - खोज, तलाश
English Meaning - A long or difficult search for something.

12.Domineering (Adjective)

English Meaning - Asserting one's will over others in an arrogant way.