Poonam Sharma
The Triple Crisis: Kerala, Assam, and the Alliance
As India moves deeper into the 2026 election cycle, the Indian National Congress finds itself navigating a “perfect storm.” The party isn’t just fighting external rivals like the BJP; it is struggling with a foundational identity crisis. The recent developments in Kerala and Assam, coupled with the friction in the INDIA bloc, suggest that Rahul Gandhi’s leadership is being questioned not just by critics, but by the party’s own stalwarts.
1. The Mani Shankar Aiyar Bombshell in Kerala
Mani Shankar Aiyar, a veteran long associated with the Gandhi family, recently sent shockwaves through the party by praising Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan. By stating that Vijayan is the only leader fulfilling Rajiv Gandhi’s vision of Panchayati Raj and predicting his return to power, Aiyar essentially declared the Congress-led UDF’s campaign DOA (Dead on Arrival).
The fallout was immediate. When Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera tried to distance the party from Aiyar, the veteran responded with a scathing “Who is Pawan Khera?” remark, labeling such spokespersons as “puppets.” This public spat highlights a deeper resentment among the “Old Guard” who feel sidelined by Rahul Gandhi’s handpicked advisors.
2. The Assam Exodus: Bhupen Borah’s Exit
In Assam, the resignation of former state chief Bhupen Borah on February 16, 2026, marks a massive failure in organizational management. Borah cited “high-handedness” and “favouritism” within the party, pointing fingers at the lack of internal democracy. For a party that has been out of power in the state for years, losing a 32-year veteran right before the assembly polls is a blow that might be impossible to recover from. It reflects a growing perception that local leaders are being ignored in favor of a centralized, often disconnected, high-command strategy.
3. The TMC Challenge: Mamata vs. Rahul
Perhaps the most significant threat to Rahul Gandhi’s national stature comes from within the INDIA alliance. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has explicitly signaled that they view Rahul Gandhi as an “ineffective leader” who cannot go toe-to-toe with the BJP’s election machinery. By pushing Mamata Banerjee as the “Face of the Opposition,” the TMC is effectively attempting to lead a coup within the alliance.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
Rahul Gandhi stands at a crossroads. While he has successfully built a narrative of “Bharat Jodo,” the administrative and political glue of the party is thinning. If the Congress cannot manage its internal dissent in Kerala and Assam, its claim to lead the national opposition in 2026 will remain a distant dream.
