A recent expression of admiration by senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh for the organizational prowess of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has stirred considerable debate within the Indian National Congress, exposing underlying tensions and differing viewpoints on how the party should engage with its political rivals.
On Saturday, Digvijaya Singh shared an old photograph on X, formerly known as Twitter, featuring a young Narendra Modi seated on the floor alongside veteran BJP leader L.K. Advani. Singh lauded the ability of grassroots workers within the RSS and BJP to rise through the ranks to become Chief Ministers and even Prime Minister. He described this phenomenon as "the power of the organization," concluding his post with "Jai Siya Ram".
These remarks, made just before a crucial Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, immediately sparked controversy. Critics within the Congress questioned the wisdom of praising organizations that are ideologically opposed to the party. Pawan Khera, a Congress leader, strongly reacted to Singh's comments, stating, "There's nothing to learn from the RSS".
The BJP, on the other hand, seized upon Singh's statement to attack the Congress leadership. BJP spokesperson C.R. Kesavan claimed that Singh's tweet exposed the Congress party's "autocratic and undemocratic" internal functioning.
Faced with criticism, Digvijaya Singh clarified that his appreciation was limited to the organizational strength of the RSS and BJP and did not indicate any shift in his political stance. "You have misunderstood things. I praised the party organization. I remain a staunch opponent of the RSS and Modi ji," he stated. He further added that he has always opposed the RSS ideology because they do not respect the Indian Constitution and spread hatred against minorities. He also said that the Congress could learn from the RSS' organizational capabilities. "Definitely. The power of the organization is such that they can go from house to house and sell a comb to a bald person. They are so clever in this way".
This is not the first time Singh has voiced concerns about the Congress party's internal dynamics. Last week, he called for internal reforms, urging Rahul Gandhi to adopt a more pragmatic and decentralized approach to party functioning. He emphasized the need for strengthening the party's organizational structure at the grassroots level, with the appointment of committees in districts, blocks, and wards. He also raised concerns about states not having adequate leadership and the over centralisation of power within the party.
Singh's observations have opened up a discussion within the Congress about the need for internal reforms and a more effective organizational structure to counter the BJP's well-oiled machinery. Some within the party believe that a more decentralized and participatory approach is necessary to revitalize the Congress and reconnect with the electorate.
The controversy surrounding Digvijaya Singh's remarks highlights the ongoing challenges within the Congress party as it seeks to regain its political footing. While Singh has clarified that his comments were not an endorsement of the RSS-BJP ideology, they have nonetheless sparked a debate about the party's organizational weaknesses and the need for internal reforms. The incident underscores the complex dynamics within the Congress and the diverse perspectives on how to navigate the current political landscape.
