Congress Needs to Revise Its Approach to Compete with the Centre, Emphasizing Real Concerns: Tehseen Poonawalla (IANS Interview)

New Delhi, Dec 16 (NationPress) Tehseen Poonawalla, a political analyst and proponent of the Congress party, shared his views on why the grand old party is struggling in the political discourse, despite its 'new-found aggression', and how it can ensure that its messaging regarding the nation’s most pressing issues remains prominent.

In an exclusive interview with IANS, Poonawalla addressed various topics, including Congress' strategy in Parliament, the PMML's correspondence with Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi's inaugural speech in Parliament.

Following is the complete interview:

IANS: Do you believe Congress should adjust its strategy?

Tehseen Poonawalla: Yes, I think Congress and the Opposition must revise their communication approach. The critical issues facing our country—like the ongoing farmers' protests, situations in Bangladesh, Sambal, Manipur, Syria, unemployment, and the economy—should be prioritized. Congress must highlight these urgent matters.

IANS: Several Congress leaders appear disconnected from the public. What are your thoughts on this?

Tehseen Poonawalla: While I prefer not to comment on specific departments, I think the entire Opposition should focus on engaging in constructive discussions in Parliament. The government should encourage such dialogues. When Congress leaders speak, their messages need to resonate with the public effectively. For instance, Priyanka’s parliamentary address was impactful, but media attention quickly shifted due to Allu Arjun's arrest, overshadowing her speech. A more robust strategy is essential to ensure that the focus remains on the leaders and the key issues they advocate, rather than distractions like celebrity news.

IANS: Should new individuals be placed in charge of social media?

Tehseen Poonawalla: While I don’t have specific suggestions for leadership roles, the core issue lies in how the party connects with ordinary citizens. Congress should prioritize the issues that matter most to the populace—Manipur, Sambal, Bangladesh, Syria, the economy, and rising inflation. These should be the focal points of their communication strategy.

IANS: Some spokespersons from Congress make controversial remarks that seem to hurt the party's electoral chances. What’s your view on this?

Tehseen Poonawalla: This is a challenge faced by all political parties. While there are often strong reactions from the public, I believe personal trolling should be avoided. Recently, Prime Minister Modi's meeting with the Kapoor family sparked controversy. While Raj Kapoor is an iconic figure, discussing such controversies is unnecessary. The public isn’t concerned with these side issues; the emphasis should be on tangible concerns like the Prime Minister's lack of visit to Manipur. Serious questions should be raised by responsible individuals, steering clear of irrelevant distractions.

IANS: Should Congress shift its focus regarding the issues it addresses?

Tehseen Poonawalla: Absolutely. Not only Congress but all opposition parties should concentrate on the real concerns. The government must also enable Parliament to operate effectively without frequent adjournments. Even respected BJP leaders like Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley advocated for serious discussions in Parliament. The Opposition must highlight critical issues, and the government ought to pay close attention.

IANS: Is the public indifferent to the Adani issue?

Tehseen Poonawalla: I don’t believe the public is particularly invested in the Adani issue. People tend to overlook industrialist concerns. Whether the Opposition discusses Adani or the government presents figures like George Soros, it doesn’t resonate with the general populace. This only serves to benefit the government, allowing them to divert attention from more pressing matters.

IANS: What are your thoughts on the PM’s Museum and Library (PMML) in New Delhi requesting the return of personal letters written by Jawaharlal Nehru to Sonia Gandhi in 2008?

Tehseen Poonawalla: I find no rationale behind this request. After so many years, revisiting personal correspondence seems unnecessary. If it were crucial, it should have been brought up much earlier. I view this as a diversionary tactic.

IANS: What’s your opinion on Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s speech in Parliament?

Tehseen Poonawalla: Priyanka’s speech was historic. She is a compelling speaker who can effectively articulate the Opposition's viewpoint in both houses of Parliament. In her 32-minute address, she was assertive yet composed, maintaining a calm demeanor throughout. It was a remarkable display of her leadership skills.