Written by: Altamash Khan
The results of the Haryana Assembly elections have once again underscored the significant challenges facing the Indian National Congress (INC). While the party has historically been a dominant force in Indian politics, its performance in Haryana, as well as other states, reflects a broader issue that goes beyond a single electoral contest. The Congress, once seen as the natural party of governance, now seems to be struggling not only with organizational issues but also with a broader strategic vision that resonates with the changing dynamics of Indian society.
One of the most glaring reasons for Congress’s underperformance in Haryana is its weak organizational structure at the grassroots level. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has, over the past decade, built a robust cadre-based organization, using the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and other affiliate organizations to spread its message and consolidate support. In contrast, Congress’s organizational apparatus has weakened considerably, especially in states like Haryana. The Congress in Haryana has long been seen as faction-ridden, with various leaders pulling in different directions. The lack of unity and coherent strategy often leads to a dilution of electoral efforts. Infighting, a hallmark of Congress’s Haryana unit, is one of the reasons why it failed to capitalize on the anti-incumbency sentiment against the BJP-led government. While the Congress does have a legacy of leaders such as Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the party has failed to foster new leadership that can appeal to the younger electorate or consolidate support at the village and town levels.
While Bhupinder Singh Hooda remains the tallest leader of Congress in Haryana, the party has struggled to project a second-tier leadership that can work under him or emerge independently in his absence. In the current political climate, regional leaders who are able to connect with voters on local issues have become pivotal. The BJP, despite its national focus, has successfully managed to integrate regional strongmen and give them a significant role in state politics. For example, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, despite not having a mass base initially, has managed to consolidate power through administrative measures and outreach. In contrast, Congress has not been able to present a viable alternative leadership structure in Haryana. Hooda, while popular, has not been able to reinvigorate the party’s base sufficiently, especially among the youth. Furthermore, the Congress leadership in Delhi has been criticized for not paying enough attention to regional satraps, often resulting in a disconnect between the central and state units.
Another crucial factor in Congress’s struggle in Haryana has been its failure to address local issues effectively. Haryana has its own unique socio-political dynamics that cannot be addressed solely through national-level rhetoric. For instance, issues such as farmer distress, unemployment, and the agrarian crisis are critical in the state. While the Congress did raise these issues during its campaign, its messaging was seen as inconsistent and unconvincing. The BJP, on the other hand, managed to balance local and national issues more effectively. It has leveraged its welfare schemes, such as Ayushman Bharat and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, to connect with rural voters, even though there is criticism of the actual implementation of these schemes. Congress has often been reactive rather than proactive in addressing local grievances, which has allowed the BJP to set the narrative in Haryana. One cannot ignore the sheer electoral machinery that the BJP has built over the years. From micro-targeting voters through social media campaigns to on-the-ground mobilization through its cadre, the BJP has set new standards in electoral strategy. This machinery works relentlessly to ensure voter turnout, sway undecided voters, and counter the opposition’s narrative. Congress, by comparison, lacks a similar setup. Its digital and social media outreach is far behind the BJP’s, and it often finds itself struggling to combat the BJP’s narrative. This was evident in Haryana, where Congress failed to connect with young, urban voters, who are increasingly getting their information and political cues from online platforms. The BJP’s ability to organize at the booth level has been a game-changer in recent elections. Congress, despite being an older party with a long history, has failed to adapt to these new electoral realities. Its old model of relying on charismatic leaders and big rallies no longer works in an era where the BJP is penetrating every household with personalized messaging.
The Haryana results also highlight the changing nature of the voter base in India, which Congress has failed to fully comprehend. Traditionally, the Congress has been the party of the rural poor, the Dalits, and the marginalized. However, as economic growth has lifted many out of extreme poverty and as aspirations have shifted, the Congress’s traditional base has become more fragmented. In Haryana, the BJP has been able to attract the urban and semi-urban electorate with its message of nationalism, development, and strong leadership. The Congress, on the other hand, has not been able to offer a compelling alternative that speaks to these new aspirations. The party still seems stuck in an old style of politics that is focused on identity and patronage, while the BJP has successfully crafted a message that appeals to aspirational voters.
Haryana’s political landscape is marked by caste-based and regional party formations, which complicates the electoral equation. The Congress has historically relied on coalition politics to win elections in states where it is not dominant. However, in Haryana, it failed to build a strong coalition with smaller regional parties or caste groups that could have boosted its chances. The BJP, on the other hand, has successfully navigated the complexities of coalition politics, especially by forging alliances with Jat and non-Jat groups. Congress has struggled to form alliances that resonate at the grassroots level. The party’s inability to adapt to coalition politics in Haryana is symptomatic of its broader struggles at the national level, where it has found it difficult to maintain strong alliances with regional players.
The Congress’s issues in Haryana are also a reflection of its leadership crisis at the national level. The absence of a strong, charismatic leader who can unify the party and inspire the electorate has been a significant challenge for Congress. Rahul Gandhi, despite his best efforts, has not been able to galvanize the party in the way that Narendra Modi has done for the BJP. The lack of a clear national leader has also affected Congress’s ability to project a coherent and united front in state elections like those in Haryana. The Haryana Assembly results are a microcosm of the broader problems facing the Congress. The party is struggling to find its place in a rapidly changing political landscape. Its organizational weaknesses, lack of strong leadership, inability to address local issues effectively, and failure to adapt to the new electoral realities all contribute to its underperformance.
For Congress to make a comeback, it needs to undertake a comprehensive overhaul—both in terms of leadership and strategy. It must rebuild its organization from the ground up, craft a message that resonates with the new India, and foster a new generation of leaders who can connect with the electorate. Until then, the Congress has a long way to go before it can reclaim its position as a dominant political force in India.
About the Writer:
Altamash Khan is a contributing journalist who completed his journalism studies at the prestigious Aligarh Muslim University. He has over half a decade of experience writing on a wide range of topics, from politics and social issues to technology and Brands. In addition to his journalism work, he works as a Public Relations and Brand Strategist, helping communicate Brand messages to the World. He would love to hear your thoughts on this issue. Leave a comment below or reach out via the social media handles