Rahul has his task cut out

He has to build up state leaders who can challenge the BJP

From sports to business, coaches and consultants have a simple rule: When it isn’t working, mix things up; change. There’s nothing to suggest this doesn’t apply to politics as well. The Congress’ decision to promote its vice-president Rahul Gandhi as president latest by mid-December needs to be seen in this context. It’s no secret that things have not been going well for India’s grand old party. The Congress has been on the ropes ever since the BJP powered to victory in 2014. Not only did the Congress lose that election, its performance was such that it did not even qualify for the status of the principal Opposition party. Since then, the BJP has swept most of the state elections , including those in India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh. Clearly, something needed to change.

There are people who see in Mr Gandhi’s elevation, and in the party’s sudden resurgence on social media, a new beginning and a possible revival. It is also true that the party’s criticism of the BJP has become more pointed and specific. But the ascension was pre-ordained; the BJP has recent good news to share on the economic front; and it was only a matter of time before the Congress’ social media cell took a leaf out of the playbook of the BJP’s. None of this points to a Congress revival — at least, not in isolation. Much will depend on how Mr Gandhi chooses to run the party. The Congress is a political force despite having come off second best to the BJP in many recent elections. It also has a recognised brand. Finally, the Congress does have more bench strength than the BJP, as is only natural in a party that has spent more time in power since 1947, than out of it.

What the party has lacked is a strong positive message; the BJP, in contrast has successfully positioned itself on the plank of development. What the Congress has also been unable to do is to shed the baggage of the various corruption scandals that roiled it when it was in power. Its rank and file is demoralised and demotivated, thanks to successive electoral defeats. His elevation may address the third issue, but to succeed, Mr Gandhi will have to work on the other two.