The Self-Destruction of India's Congress Party: Internal Factionalism Overshadows BJP Opposition

In the dynamic landscape of Indian politics, the narrative of the Congress party stands as a compelling paradox. Once a dominant force in Indian democracy since its establishment in 1885, this political giant now appears to be teetering on the edge of collapse, plagued by intense internal divisions and a striking absence of unified direction. As we observe the clear signals of distress emanating from within the party, one must ask: is this historic institution engaged in political self-destruction?

The political drama unfolding in Karnataka illustrates this predicament perfectly. Chief Minister Siddharamaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar are locked in a fierce contest for power. Their public disagreements reveal not merely personal ambitions and caste-based factionalism, but a fundamental breakdown in party cohesion. With Siddharamaiah seemingly unwilling to step down—a position viewed as both principled and obstinate—the conditions are set for a leadership crisis. The party's high command appears disoriented, caught between conflicting loyalties and aspirations. This situation transcends local politics, representing a broader malady affecting the entire organization.

The troubles of Congress extend far beyond Karnataka. In Rajasthan, the rivalry between former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and the youthful, dynamic Sachin Pilot has obstructed meaningful dialogue and alliance-building. Haryana has witnessed persistent leadership conflicts between former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and his opponents. After nearly 11 months of uncertainty following electoral defeat in Haryana, Hooda has finally been appointed leader of the Congress legislative party, making him the state's Leader of Opposition. Simultaneously, Rao Narender Singh, an OBC leader, has been named president of the Haryana Congress.

Kerala presents another battleground, with tensions between Shashi Tharoor and KC Venugopal widely acknowledged. A significant public disagreement erupted in November 2025 when Tharoor published an article criticizing family-based politics in India, arguing that it undermines accountability and governance standards. Venugopal, a close ally of the Gandhi family leadership, strongly countered Tharoor's remarks, defending the Nehru-Gandhi legacy and expressing regret for those who made such statements.

These episodes collectively narrate the story of a party fragmenting under the weight of its internal contradictions—a distressingly familiar pattern.

At the national level, Congress appears to be on a downward trajectory, experiencing significant electoral defeats in key states including Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra, and Bihar. The party's performance in Bihar was particularly devastating, securing only six seats—a dramatic decline from 27 seats in 2015 and 19 in 2020. The 16-day Voter Adhikar Rally led by Rahul Gandhi alongside Rashtriya Janata Dal's Tejashwi Yadav now appears counterproductive in retrospect.

Senior Congress leader Shakeel Ahmed from Bihar resigned, stating "S.I.R never a poll issue...Not one genuine voter axed," referring to the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists that Congress had protested as disenfranchisement. Ahmed alleged that attendees at Rahul Gandhi's rally were "paid people/congress karyakartas" rather than actual disenfranchised voters. He also refuted the party's claims of widespread EVM tampering in Bihar, noting there was "no proof."

Ahmed additionally cited "differences with some individuals currently in power within the party" and "total mismanagement of the election and the Mahagathbandhan coalition" as reasons for his departure, while maintaining his commitment to core Congress ideology. He deliberately delayed his resignation announcement until after polling to avoid harming the party's electoral prospects.

Electoral defeat is difficult for any political organization to accept, but what makes the Congress's situation particularly concerning is the perceived inability to address its challenges effectively. Despite Rahul Gandhi's recent attempts to shift toward a more leftist ideology—embracing caste surveys, championing constitutional values, and highlighting electoral irregularities ("Vote chori")—the impression of disorganization persists.

This increasing factionalism stems not merely from individual ambitions but reflects a deeper identity crisis within Congress. At a time when unity around common goals is essential, the party instead projects an image of being directionless, leaderless, and rudderless—adrift in turbulent political waters. The rising voices of dissent within its ranks create a discord that overwhelms any coherent vision for the future.

The term "harakiri" suggests a deliberate act of self-destruction. In the Congress Party's context, the parallels are unmistakable. The party doesn't require the BJP as an adversary to falter; it demonstrates a remarkable capacity for self-inflicted damage. Each instance of factionalism, each missed opportunity for unity, represents another step toward self-sabotage. The party's failure to renew itself organizationally or ideologically only accelerates its slide toward irrelevance.

As Congress confronts its existential crisis, one must wonder: can a party so deeply rooted in its own legacy navigate the challenges of contemporary politics? Or is it destined to fade into irrelevance, consumed by internal divisions? The answers remain elusive in a political landscape that demands resilience and cohesion. Amid these challenges, Congress must face the profound reality that its greatest adversary may not be the ruling BJP, but itself.

Each day brings potential for either renewal or decline, and as events unfold, observers watch intently. Will Congress find a way to heal its divisions and reclaim its position as a formidable force in Indian politics, or will it continue its descent into obscurity, a once-great party committing political suicide through internal conflict? This question persists, calling for both introspection and decisive action—an opportunity to redefine its destiny before time runs out.

(The writer Ajit Kumar Jha is Editor, Research, at NDTV)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author