To adapt a line from Mark Twain: Reports of the death of the Indian National Congress Party are highly exaggerated! Yes, the party is currently going through a difficult period in its great existence as it faces the upcoming Parliamentary election. A combination of factors contributes to such a quandary that include anti-incumbency sentiment; a number of corruption scandals; an inflation of consumer goods and services; and a restless electorate who are demanding efficient and effective governance. Amidst the clamor and hype, even the political pundits are quite unwilling to conduct an objective analysis of some of the great achievements of UPA I and UPA II, an administration headed by Dr. Manmohan Singh whose impeccable credentials and integrity is beyond reproach.

The Right to Information Act that exposed the behind-the-scenes deal-makings of the bureaucracy; the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act that provided jobs to millions; the National Food Security Bill that would assure a safety net for the nourishment two thirds of the population, the India Rape law, a sweeping law to protect women against sexual violence; the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Treaty that legitimized India as a member of the Nuclear Club; and the Lokpal Bill that would deal with corruption in public places etc.; were all landmark achievements on which the UPA could pride themselves. However, as Mr. Kapil Sibal, the Union Minister admitted, the UPA has failed to communicate its achievements to the people in the last four years.

We also need to be cognizant of the fact that the UPA never had a comfortable majority even in Lok Sabha, and two of its biggest allies walked out. Despite such a predicament, it has successfully passed some sterling reforms such as liberalizing Foreign Investment in Multi-brand retail and airlines; as well as the long delayed de-controlling of diesel prices. Power lines in India now connect 5.6 lakh villages and high speed broadband is being rolled out in 2.5 lakh panchayats. The Unique ID program will give all Indian citizens a chance to access electronic banking and provide a valid proof of identity. In two year’s time, rural power, rural data connectivity and financial inclusion will indeed change the face of India as never before.

Nevertheless, an increasingly educated and knowledgeable public demands even more. It is indeed their right to demand good governance and clean administration from those who have taken an oath to uphold the law and discharge their responsibility faithfully. Obviously, the party is compelled to look into recent elections and introspect to be more responsive to the common man. There is a widespread feeling that over the years, many in the leadership have drifted away from grassroots concerns as they began to enjoy the seats of power. The glory days of Seva Dal and the inculcating of values and principles of  the party through study classes by its esteemed leaders, all seem to have disappeared from the scene. Therefore the question remains: what does the Congress Party need to do to regain the trust of the people?
As the 2014 election is fast approaching, the most pressing issue for the party is to select clean candidates from diverse backgrounds, giving proper representation to young and the women. It is imperative for the Party to deny tickets to those with criminal and financial irregularities in their backgrounds. Rahul Gandhi needs to take a firm and audible stand on this matter regardless of the fact that he may face criticism that could result in minor revolts in the party; even at the cost of losing some seats.

As the party is indeed looking towards the future, it needs to identify and attract young leaders with good academic backgrounds, vision and knowledge. It is important to provide opportunity for these young leaders to bring their talents and excel in rebuilding the party at the grassroots level.
The Party needs to quickly formulate a 10 point plan similar to the ‘Contract with America’, that the Republicans have put together in 1994 election for the House of Representatives. Considering that the Congress Party has been slow in impressing upon the electorate their numerous achievements, a simplified minimum plan would better communicate their aspirations and plans to the voting public.

At the top of the agenda ought to be combating corruption at all levels of the Government. Now that Lokpal is passed into law, a quick implementation of those provisions needs to happen. One such example would be to carry out prosecutions of the accused under a more independent CBI Directorate on a fast track judicial process. It should result in swift adjudication of cases involving attachment and confiscation of property acquired by corrupt means. The major failure to combat corruption charges until now has been the long and drawn out cases that could last several decades, during which time, the person who has amassed wealth thru corrupt means could easily outlast any prosecutorial efforts.

There is no doubt that the stability of the Central Government is key to providing effective governance with long-term planning. However, the rise of the regional parties and coalition politics are increasingly rendering the legislative process a slow and painful operation. The platform ought to include a promise to enact legislation in a way that prevents the disruption of parliament, while ensuring that debates and decision-making proceed uninterrupted. Any breach of conduct should carry hefty monetary penalties with suspension from the house for a stipulated period of time.

Strengthening governance goes without saying. The party must continue to uphold democratic and secular values, while ensuring that weaker sections are given adequate consideration in the upcoming election by allocating an adequate number of seats as well as providing a forum for their voices. It is incumbent upon the party to reassert the moral high ground on these issues and take necessary actions to educate and remove entrenched habits of discrimination from all facets of life in the society.

India is still a largely agrarian country with around 60% of its population depending directly or indirectly on agriculture. As agriculture mostly depends on monsoons, a failure of rains could lead to droughts, low prices for their produces, and exploitation by middlemen. All of these have led to a series of suicides of farmers across the country. The party needs to refocus efforts and utilize existing resources to pass landmark legislation that provides substantial help to those who are currently disenfranchised.

The party plank should also include a plan to revitalize the economy and create more jobs with various initiatives at the Central and the State level. It goes without saying that a more robust foreign policy is required as well, creating strategic alliance with countries with shared values to protect India’s vital interests while keeping unruly neighbors at bay.

At the end of the day, which other party is more experienced and equipped to provide better governance than the party that stands for democracy, secularism, fraternity, justice, liberty and equality for all. Congress policies have always been anchored in a vision of an economically prosperous, socially just, politically united and culturally harmonious India. The Congress party ought to listen to the man on the street and let the voters make that final judgment.

George Abraham, Chairman

Indian National Overseas Congress (I), USA