At one time, Congress was not just a political platform but the center of India’s ideology. Great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel were associated with the party. After the formation of Gujarat in 1960, Congress remained in power almost continuously until 1995. Leaders such as Morarji Desai and K. M. Munshi played key roles in the state government. During this period, Congress contributed significantly to social reforms, agriculture, and industrial development. Ahmedabad also hosted AICC sessions that helped shape national politics.

In 1995, Bharatiya Janata Party came to power, marking the beginning of Congress’s decline. Since 1998, BJP has maintained continuous control. Internal conflicts within Congress, unfulfilled promises on social justice, and its inability to align with narratives like Hindutva and development weakened the party. During Narendra Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister (2001–2014), the “Gujarat Model” strengthened BJP’s position across India. Many Congress leaders and workers switched to BJP.

In the 2017 assembly elections, Congress slightly improved its seat count, but in 2022 it was reduced to just 17 seats, while BJP won 156. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Congress secured only one seat in Banaskantha. The main reasons for this decline include internal divisions, demoralized workers, and loss of public support.

In 2025, an AICC session was held in Ahmedabad after 64 years, seen as an attempt to revive the party. Gujarat Congress president Amit Chavda launched the “Jan Aakrosh Yatra” criticizing BJP’s policies, but the ground reality remains tough. During his Gujarat visit in 2025, Rahul Gandhi said that party workers are divided into two groups—one dedicated to public service and another allegedly aligned with BJP. He stated, “Half of the workers are working for BJP.”

Lack of strong leadership, absence of active central guidance, and weak organizational structure have left workers disheartened. Public support has also shifted away from Congress. Though a few experienced senior leaders remain, they largely rely on their past legacy.

Congress’s biggest challenge is to rebuild leadership and regain public trust. If it can strengthen its organization, energize its workers, and reconnect with the people, it may stage a comeback. Experience remains its key asset, but it needs fresh energy and clear leadership to make it effective.

While Congress is unlikely to perform well in the upcoming local body elections, it may still have a chance to recover if it works hard before the 2027 assembly elections.

(Utkarsh Patel)

India’s successful retaliation against terrorism through Operation Sindoor—which avenged the Pahalgam attack and destroyed terrorist bases in Pakistan—sparked feelings of immense pride among citizens across the nation. The Indian Army’s bravery strengthened both national security and public morale. Yet, this proud moment also raises important questions about the role and approach of various political parties.

The ruling BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) celebrated the success of Operation Sindoor by organizing ‘Tiranga Yatras’ (tricolor rallies) across the country, aiming to amplify patriotism and pay tribute to the armed forces. Through these initiatives, the BJP attempted to foster unity and spread a message of national pride.

However, opposition parties, especially the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), did not organize any similar public events. This silence raises the question: Did they hold back from endorsing national pride publicly?

Possible Reasons for Opposition’s Silence:

1. Political Strategy:
   Opposition parties may have chosen not to participate in such celebrations to prevent the ruling party from turning this national success into a political advantage. By staying away, they tried to avoid appearing as if they were endorsing BJP's narrative.

2. Avoiding Politicization:
   Some parties possibly believed that military operations are national matters, not political ones. To them, celebrating military success through political events might risk reducing a national achievement to a partisan agenda.

3.Focus on Other Priorities:
   It’s also possible that opposition parties were preoccupied with local issues or other political goals and therefore did not prioritize national-level celebrations.

The Bigger Question:Is it right to view national pride through a political lens?

The victory of the Indian armed forces belongs to every citizen, not to any single party. All political groups should have actively participated in celebrating such a unifying moment. Had opposition parties taken part, it would have further strengthened the message of unity and patriotism.

Even with ideological differences, displaying unity on issues of national security and pride is a hallmark of a healthy democracy. The public, too, should support leaders and parties that prioritize the nation’s interests over political gain.

Operation Sindoor is not just a military triumph—it symbolizes India's unity, resilience, and resolve. At such times, all political parties must come together to reinforce the spirit of nationalism, ensuring that the honor and pride of India always remain bright.

(The author is a respected industrialist and social worker. The views expressed are personal.)

Gujarat’s political scene has been buzzing with talks of party switching and new alliances. A statement by a loyal BJP worker has added to the debate: "For a long time, the Gujarat BJP has been running a recruitment drive from Congress, and now those expelled by Congress will join BJP and enjoy power." This comment highlights not just political strategy but also hints at internal struggles and dissatisfaction among party workers. Let’s look at how this situation could impact both Congress and BJP.

Congress: Cleaning Up or Showing Weakness?

Congress has been out of power in Gujarat for many years. BJP’s dominance in the state has been strong, making it difficult for Congress to regain its position. In such a situation, some Congress leaders and workers, eager for power, are switching sides. If Congress is expelling such "power-hungry" members, it can be seen in two ways:

Positive: It could be a step towards cleaning the party and strengthening loyalty and ideology.
Negative: It could show that Congress is weak and unable to keep its team united.

What Congress does next is crucial. If it strengthens its ideology, brings in fresh leadership, and builds its organization at the grassroots, this clean-up could help in the long run. However, if Congress gets caught up in internal fights and poor decision-making, its presence in Gujarat politics may weaken even further.

BJP’s Recruitment Drive: Victory or Future Trouble?

BJP has ruled Gujarat for decades with an aggressive and practical approach. Taking in leaders from Congress could be seen as a smart move because it weakens the opposition and expands BJP’s influence. 

But the statement also points to a hidden problem: loyal BJP workers are feeling disappointed. Many who have served the party faithfully for years see new outsiders getting quick promotions and power. This frustration could damage the morale of grassroots workers — who are BJP’s real strength. If this dissatisfaction grows, BJP’s long-term dominance could be at risk.

Practical Politics vs. Ideological Politics

This situation highlights a key tension in politics: between practical moves for power and staying true to ideology. BJP’s acceptance of Congress leaders is practical politics — doing whatever it takes to stay in power. Congress’ decision to expel opportunistic leaders may be an attempt to protect its ideological purity, but it risks becoming irrelevant if it cannot win elections.

Both strategies have their pros and cons. BJP’s practicality has made it unbeatable in Gujarat, but cracks may appear if internal loyalty weakens. Congress’ focus on ideology could rebuild its credibility, but it must also find a way to become competitive again.

In short, party-switching is not new to Gujarat, but this round could have big impacts. For Congress, it is a chance to rebuild. For BJP, it is a test of whether it can keep its old workers motivated. 

Politics, as this shows, is always a delicate balance between the hunger for power and the strength of principles. In the long run, the party that manages this balance better will shape Gujarat’s future.

Rahul Gandhi’s recent visit to Gujarat on March 7 and 8, 2025, signals a determined effort by the Congress party's revival in a BJP stronghold, where the party has struggled with organizational weaknesses and political setbacks for years. 

His speeches and meetings with district- and taluka-level Congress leaders focused on strengthening the party's grassroots structure and energizing workers, especially in rural areas. 

Gandhi’s bold statements, including his vow that “Congress will defeat BJP in Gujarat” and his call to expel so called traitors, indicate an attempt at internal cleansing and renewed discipline within the state unit.

Rahul has sparked enthusiasm among Congress workers, many of whom have felt demoralized by the party’s poor performance in state elections—winning only 17 seats in the 2022  compared to BJP’s 156. The party secured just one Lok Sabha seat in Gujarat in 2024. 

The victory in Banaskantha in 2024 had offered some relief, and Rahul Gandhi’s presence is seen as reinforcing that momentum. However, the durability of this enthusiasm remains uncertain, given long-standing issues such as factionalism, defections to BJP, and weak local leadership.

Strategically, Rahul Gandhi’s focus on tribal and rural communities during this visit is notable. These groups represent significant voter bases in eastern Gujarat. His criticism of BJP’s alleged corruption and policies also aims to resonate with voters dissatisfied with the current government. 

Yet, the challenge for Congress lies in translating these high-profile visits and rhetoric into a coherent, ground-level strategy with strong local leadership and effective voter outreach.

From BJP’s perspective, while Rahul Gandhi’s visit and statements might cause some concern, the party’s entrenched organizational strength and dominance in Gujarat make it unlikely that Congress will pose a serious threat in the immediate future. 

However, if Congress manages to consolidate its cadre, address internal issues, and capitalize on local issues effectively, it could influence Gujarat’s political landscape, especially in upcoming local elections.

In summary, Rahul Gandhi’s Gujarat visit breathes new life into the state Congress by boosting morale and signaling a strategic focus on rebuilding the party’s base. Whether this translates into tangible electoral gains depends on organizational reforms, strong local leadership, and effective grassroots mobilization.

Gujarat's political scene has always been unique compared to other states in India. On one hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has maintained its strong presence in the state for decades. On the other hand, the Congress party has been struggling to win the trust of the people for last 30 years. But why is this the case? Is it because Congress has failed to understand the emotions and expectations of Gujarat’s citizens? Or is it because BJP’s strong organizational strategy and leadership have pushed Congress to the back foot? To understand this political competition between the two parties, we need to look deeper.

BJP’s Dominance in Gujarat 

One of the main reasons for BJP’s success in Gujarat is its strong organizational structure. BJP workers reach out directly to people across villages and cities. This constant connection helps the party stay in touch with public sentiment. Under the leadership of Narendra Modi, Gujarat experienced a new phase of development. Many people credit BJP’s policies and its dedicated workers for this growth.

During his time as Chief Minister, Narendra Modi gave Gujarat the title of “Vibrant Gujarat,” which is still remembered today. Young people who grew up during his rule associate BJP with development and progress. The party has largely met these expectations, which is reflected in its repeated election wins.

Additionally, the BJP government has implemented welfare schemes aimed at improving people’s lives — from poverty reduction to better healthcare, education, and infrastructure. The central government under Narendra Modi has also provided strong support to the state. All these efforts show that BJP has understood the emotions and needs of Gujarat’s people and has built its strategy accordingly.

Why Congress Has Struggled in Gujarat 

Congress has not been able to regain its past glory in Gujarat. Once a strong player in the state, the party now suffers from a lack of strong leadership and clear vision. Gujarat’s youth are mostly unaware or uninterested in Congress’s policies, as the party has not made significant efforts to connect with them. Compared to BJP, Congress’s organization is weak, and its workers have not been able to effectively reach the people.

Another major weakness is that Congress has not been able to present a leader who can win the trust of the people. Against strong figures like Narendra Modi, Anandiben Patel, and Amit Shah, Congress lacks an equally impactful face. Also, its policies and election promises often don’t align well with Gujarat’s local needs. As a result, many people feel that Congress is disconnected from their emotions and expectations.

What Lies Ahead?

So, can Congress regain its place in Gujarat? It’s not an easy question to answer. If Congress wants to improve its standing, it needs to build a strong organization at the local level and promote leaders who can connect with the people. It must focus on a development-driven agenda that appeals especially to the youth and offer a clear alternative to BJP’s successes.

At the same time, the path ahead for BJP is not without challenges. After Narendra Modi’s leadership, the state is now testing its new leaders. The growing expectations of the people must be met, and their trust must be maintained. If BJP fails to meet these challenges, Congress might get an opportunity — but only if it makes deep changes in its strategy.

In Conclusion...

Gujarat’s political future depends heavily on how both parties perform. BJP has earned the public’s trust through its strong organization and development focus, while Congress has lagged behind in these areas. However, in politics, nothing is permanent. The party that understands the emotions and needs of Gujarat’s people and shapes its strategy accordingly will move ahead. In the end, the real power lies in the hands of the people of Gujarat.

Ahmedabad:Balwantrai Mehta’s short yet impactful time as Gujarat’s Chief Minister from September 19, 1963, to September 19, 1965, is recalled for his visionary contributions to local self governance. He Born on February 19, 1899, in Bhavnagar. Mehta was a Gandhian freedom fighter whose ideas reshaped rural administration in India. His untimely death in a plane crash during the 1965 Indo-Pak War cut short a promising career.However, his legacy as the father of Panchayati Raj endures till the date.

Mehta’s political journey began during the independence struggle.He joined Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement and faced imprisonment at the time of Quit India Movement. His pre-Gujarat career included roles in the Bombay Legislative Assembly and as a Union Minister. He chaired a committee in 1957 that recommended decentralized governance means local self governance. This report birthed the Panchayati Raj system, empowering village councils to manage local affairs.A concept he later implemented in Gujarat.

As Chief Minister, he focused on translating his Panchayati Raj vision into action. He introduced policies to strengthen gram panchayats, ensuring they had financial and administrative freedom. This move decentralized power from urban centers to rural Gujarat.It empowered farmers and local leaders. His government also prioritized rural infrastructure—roads, wells, and electrification—to bridge the urban-rural divide, reflecting his belief in grassroots development.

Mehta joined office amid Gujarat’s recovery from its 1962 formation and faced additional strain during the 1965 Indo-Pak War. He  ensured administrative continuity despite border tensions with Pakistan. Mehta collaborated with national leaders to bolster Gujarat’s defenses and support displaced communities, showcasing his ability to manage crises while advancing his rural agenda.

Mehta’s tenure ended abruptly and tragically on September 19, 1965, when his plane was shot down by a Pakistani jet near the Kutch border. His death at 66 elevated him to martyr status within Congress, galvanizing party unity in Gujarat. The loss underscored the sacrifices of its leaders, reinforcing Mehta’s image as a selfless public servant.

Balwantrai Mehta’s chief contribution—Panchayati Raj—revolutionized Indian democracy by empowering rural voices. In Gujarat, his policies laid the groundwork for participatory governance. The Balwantrai Mehta Committee’s recommendations remain a cornerstone of India’s rural self governance. His martyrdom ensures his place in Gujarat’s political lore.