H1: The Future of Congress: Will Ashok Gehlot Be the Next President?
As the Indian National Congress (INC) faces declining popularity and internal divisions, the question arises: will Ashok Gehlot become the next president of the party? While he has expressed a preference for continuing as the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, the dynamics within the party suggest otherwise.
H2: Ashok Gehlot’s Ambition vs. Party Prestige
With an electoral performance that has seen no significant improvement, many believe that being the president of the INC offers little prestige. Ashok Gehlot, who has sought re-election as the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, perhaps believes that his political capital would diminish if he were to leave his position for the sake of party leadership.
The current scenario within the Congress highlights a crucial issue: no one seems genuinely interested in engaging in party work. Ashok Gehlot, Bhupendra Singh Hooda, and other entrenched leaders are more focused on advancing their personal careers rather than the welfare of the party. This lack of interest in party affairs is a significant barrier to revitalizing the Congress.
H2: The Pros and Cons of Gehlot Taking the Presidency
Should Ashok Gehlot decide to leave his role as Chief Minister and take on the position of Congress President, it could potentially rejuvenate the party. Sachin Pilot, a prominent figure within the INC in Rajasthan, may yet provide some positive change.
However, the retired veterans of the Congress are likely to convince Sonia Gandhi that the Bharat Jodo Yatra has brought the party back to life and that they should not hastily announce Gehlot as a CM candidate. An announcement too early may risk internal splits and impact Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot's aspirations to become Chief Minister of Rajasthan.
The party might also be wary of making such an announcement before the elections, as it could lead to further disintegration. The image of Gehlot's government has also recently declined, particularly following the Udaipur incident, which has angered many Hindus. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to seize upon this unfavorable scenario.
H2: The Future Leadership of Congress
Even if Ashok Gehlot does become the next president of the Congress, he will probably be seen as a puppet of Priyanka Gandhi and Robert Vadra. At the age of 54, Robert Vadra is actively pursuing a political career and will need organizational support to manage the fractious factions within the party. If Gehlot can effectively organize the party, he may remain in the leadership until the 2029 elections. However, Mentha Deora and Sachin Pilot are more likely to grow the Congress cadre due to their enthusiasm and youth.
The success of the Congress as a formidable opposition will ultimately depend on effective leadership and the growth of its party cadre. As the party navigates these challenges, the future direction of the Congress under Ashok Gehlot remains uncertain, but his potential role as a unifying figure within the party could prove crucial in reversing its current decline.
H2: Conclusion
The key to the future of the Congress lies in effective leadership and the revitalization of its party structure. While the question of Ashok Gehlot as the next Congress president remains open, the party's internal dynamics and political landscape will determine the outcome. Only time will tell whether Gehlot or another leader can successfully navigate the Congress towards renewed strength and relevance.