In an exclusive conversation with India Today, political strategist Prashant Kishor shared his insights on the persistent defeats faced by the Congress party. He pinpointed 'ignorance, laziness, and arrogance' as the major barriers to the party’s electoral success and also advised Rahul Gandhi to consider stepping away from politics temporarily.
When asked about possible improvements for Congress's future in Indian politics, Prashant Kishor responded, 'Change only happens when there is an acknowledgment of shortcomings and a need for improvement.'
He further elaborated that the current status of the party reflects 'mental ignorance, intellectual laziness, and arrogance,' asserting that the party continues to operate in the same manner.
'Congress doesn't grasp the necessary changes,'
asserted Kishor, 'It's like someone believes they're on the right track, yet people aren't understanding what they're doing.' He suggested another probability being that Congress might be 'overwhelmingly unaware' of the ongoing political scenario in India and what needs to be done to improve it.
'These three traits are what make up Congress' identity,'
Kishor shared his views, 'First and foremost, Congress fails to understand why people are not voting for them.' A second possibility could be that even if the party knows, they are too lazy to attempt reforms. The third could be an arrogance where they believe the public will eventually realize their mistake and will end up voting for Congress.
Kishor also pointed out that Rahul Gandhi has been central to Congress in the 2014, 2019, and even the prospective 2024 general elections, regardless of who is officially leading the party.
Advising a break for Rahul,
he mentioned that it is impossible in Congress for a rank-and-file leader to rise against the Gandhi family and lead the party. By taking a break, allowing someone else to take command, and re-entering politics if the party’s fortunes better in 2-3 years, he emphasized that there could be hope for the party's revival.
