Are Congress Policies Undermining Veteran Leaders Who Built Regional Foundations?
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Synopsis
In a striking critique, veteran Congress leader Abdul Mannan highlights the party's disconnect from citizen concerns, questioning the effectiveness of its leadership and recent initiatives. As dissatisfaction grows among seasoned politicians, can Congress regain its footing and relevance?
Key Takeaways
- Congress leadership is criticized for disconnecting from citizen issues.
- Veteran leaders voice concerns about party management.
- Mannan's loyalty to the Gandhi family remains significant.
- Recent leadership changes reflect shifting party dynamics.
- The need for representation of minorities is emphasized.
New Delhi, Dec 3 (NationPress) The Congress leadership is focusing on issues that are distant from the concerns of ordinary citizens, inadvertently benefiting the ruling party in both West Bengal and at the national level, according to a veteran member of the state party unit.
Abdul Mannan, who served as the last Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly from 2016 to 2021, has expressed frustration stemming from his strong opposition to the ruling Trinamool Congress and the influence of his religion on his political journey.
Despite these challenges, Mannan remains loyal to the Gandhi family.
He noted, "It's undeniable that the Gandhi family draws crowds that no state leader can replicate; however, attendance at rallies does not equate to votes."
Mannan questioned the relevance of initiatives like the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' to the average citizen, asking if the country is physically divided, as the name implies, rather than addressing pressing issues like inflation and unemployment.
The 78-year-old leader expressed similar concerns regarding the party's recent campaigns, including 'Nyay Yatra' and 'Samvidhan Bachao Yatra'.
He attributed these missteps to the selection of inexperienced and unknown individuals to lead the party at the national level. Another veteran from Bihar recently resigned over similar grievances.
Shakeel Ahmad, a former Lok Sabha member from Madhubani, has also voiced dissatisfaction with the party's management and the appointment of senior leaders, suggesting that seasoned politicians face humiliation within the party.
Despite resigning, he maintains his faith in the principles of Congress.
Like Ahmad, Mannan reiterated his commitment to party ideology, even as he faced repercussions for his opposition to the Trinamool and for his religious identity.
In an unexpected twist, after being nominated for the Rajya Sabha from West Bengal, Congress requested Mannan to withdraw his candidacy in March 2012. While the official explanation cited a lack of sufficient MLAs for his victory, the party was also in alliance with the Trinamool Congress, which had a stronger legislative presence.
Mannan complied, stating he acted “as a disciplined soldier of the Congress” in line with party directives.
Recently, the Congress replaced its Pradesh Congress Committee President Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury with Subhankar Sarkar. Chowdhury, a known adversary of Mamata Banerjee, lost his constituency seat last year, while Sarkar is perceived as more compliant.
A close associate of Mannan claimed he was never appointed PCC chief due to concerns about religious representation, fearing accusations of Muslim appeasement from opponents, particularly the BJP.
A former Congress general secretary once remarked that if Mannan were given the position, everyone from Congress would join the BJP. Mannan opted not to confirm or deny this claim.
Instead, he recounted a 2005 meeting with Indira Gandhi, where he highlighted the lack of representation for SC, ST, and minorities within the party's leadership.
According to Mannan, the Gandhis listen to logic but are often inaccessible due to the influence of others. “The party is at a crossroads, moving away from the needs of the masses,” he lamented. When asked if he would consider leaving for more favorable prospects like many former colleagues, he emphatically stated, “I will always be a ‘Congressman’, wherever I go.”
Point of View
Highlighting the concerns of veteran leaders who feel sidelined by new directives and strategies. As these leaders vocalize their frustrations, it raises critical questions about the party's ability to connect with grassroots issues. It is essential for Congress to reassess its approach to retain its foundational support.
NationPress
03/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main concerns raised by Abdul Mannan?
Abdul Mannan criticizes the Congress leadership for focusing on issues irrelevant to common citizens, leading to a disconnect and inadvertently supporting the ruling party.
What is the significance of Mannan's loyalty to the Gandhi family?
Despite his criticisms, Mannan's loyalty highlights the enduring influence of the Gandhi family within Congress and its ability to draw crowds, although not necessarily translate into votes.
How has Congress management been viewed by veteran leaders?
Veteran leaders express dissatisfaction with the party's management, citing the selection of inexperienced individuals and a lack of representation for minorities.
What was the controversy surrounding Mannan's Rajya Sabha nomination?
Mannan was initially nominated for the Rajya Sabha but was later asked to withdraw due to the Congress party's alliance with the Trinamool Congress and the lack of sufficient MLAs.
What are the implications of the leadership changes in the Congress party?
The replacement of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury with Subhankar Sarkar indicates a shift in party dynamics, potentially affecting how the party engages with its base and opposition.
