Can or will Congress be revived in Delhi?

Journalist Aadesh Rawal, who has covered the Congress for years, explores the party's struggle for revival in Delhi, aiming for a 15% vote share amidst AAP-BJP rivalry, past alliances and Rahul Gandhi's renewed strategy

author-image
The Squirrels Bureau
New Update
Listen to this article
0.75x 1x 1.5x
00:00 / 00:00

As Delhi gears up for its next Legislative Assembly elections, the Indian National Congress (INC) finds itself at a critical juncture. Once the dominant force in the capital, the party has been reduced to a marginal player over the past decade, ceding space to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Election pundits like Aadesh Rawal are closely watching whether the INC can mount a credible challenge this time, as it aims for a modest yet ambitious 15% vote share.

Declining fortunes: Performance of Congress since 2013

To understand the challenges ahead, one must examine the party’s performance in recent Delhi elections:

  • 2013 assembly election: The INC won 8 seats and secured 24.55% of the vote share, a sharp decline from its dominance under Sheila Dikshit. The AAP, in its debut, emerged as a significant force, disrupting the traditional INC-BJP contest.

  • 2015 assembly election: The party hit rock bottom, winning zero seats and managing a mere 9.7% vote share. The AAP swept the polls with 67 of 70 seats.

  • 2020 assembly election: The downward spiral continued, with the INC again drawing a blank and registering a negligible 4.26% vote share.

Revival aspirations: Aiming for 15%

Sources within the INC indicated to Rawal that the party was targeting a 15% vote share in the upcoming elections. While this may seem modest, it represents a significant leap from its 2020 nadir. Party strategists argue that this target is essential for reclaiming a foothold in Delhi’s polarized political landscape.

Collaborative history with AAP

Ironically, the INC and AAP share a history of collaboration that could influence voter perception. Activist-turned-politician Arvind Kejriwal once sought a position in the National Advisory Council (NAC), a body headed by then-Congress president Sonia Gandhi during the UPA government, Rawal says during the show. Though the collaboration was indirect, it underscored the fluid political dynamics of the time.

More recently, in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the INC and AAP joined hands under the broader anti-BJP coalition, despite their fierce rivalry in Delhi. This alliance highlights the pragmatic adjustments both parties are willing to make to counter the BJP’s dominance.

Rahul Gandhi’s new mandate

Party insiders reveal that Rahul Gandhi has been advised to take a more proactive role in Delhi. Unlike in other states like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Odisha—where the party’s prospects of revival appear dim—Delhi offers a unique opportunity. With the BJP and AAP locked in intense competition, the INC’s strategists believe that even a slight consolidation of its traditional vote base could yield significant dividends.

Challenges and opportunities

However, the path to revival is fraught with challenges:

  • Polarised voter base: The AAP’s governance-centric politics and the BJP’s ideological appeal leave little room for the INC to manoeuvre.

  • Leadership vacuum: The party’s Delhi unit remains plagued by infighting and lacklustre leadership.

  • Eroded credibility: After a decade of electoral defeats, regaining voter trust will be an uphill battle.

On the flip side, opportunities exist:

  • Disillusionment with AAP: Any missteps by the AAP government could open a window for the INC.

  • Strategic Alliances: Continued collaboration with opposition parties at the national level could enhance its credibility.

The 2025 Delhi Assembly elections are crucial for the Indian National Congress. While a return to its glory days may be unlikely, achieving a 15% vote share could mark the beginning of a slow but steady revival. For Rahul Gandhi and the party’s leadership, this is a chance to demonstrate that the INC still matters in Indian politics. Whether they seize it or squander it remains to be seen.

BJP Delhi Rahul Gandhi Indian National Congress AAP Arvind Kejriwal
Advertisment