Congress Needs Greater Youth Representation in Leadership

(mohsina bano)

New Delhi. The Congress party has played a crucial role in shaping Indian democracy, but today, it finds itself struggling for survival. Political strategist Atul Malikram believes that the party urgently needs structural reforms, particularly by bringing more young leaders into key positions.

The recent Delhi Assembly elections have once again exposed Congress’s declining influence, as the party failed to win a single seat for the third consecutive time. Once led by Sheila Dikshit for 15 years, Congress is now facing an existential crisis. Malikram questioned why the party’s high command remains oblivious to its deteriorating condition.

Over the past decade, more than 50 senior leaders, including Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ashok Chavan, Milind Deora, Ghulam Nabi Azad, and Kapil Sibal, have left the party. This continuous exodus has severely damaged Congress’s standing. Additionally, the lack of recognition for grassroots workers and young leaders has further weakened the party.

Malikram suggested that Congress must undergo a major structural overhaul by promoting leaders under the age of 50 and moving away from the ‘high command’ culture. The Gandhi family should step away from leadership roles and focus solely on grassroots engagement until the next Lok Sabha elections.

Furthermore, Congress must prioritize real public issues instead of fixating on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s business ties or constitutional debates. It is time for the party to take bold decisions and work towards reclaiming its lost credibility.