Former Union Minister Ashwani Kumar: Congress Must Introspect to Revive as Effective Opposition in India

Kumar clarified that he does not believe that any prime minister will do "everything wrong."

New Delhi:

There cannot be an effective opposition in the country without the Congress, but the party has "somewhere lost ground", former Union minister Ashwani Kumar stated on Friday, adding that it is a "national obligation" for the party to revive itself.

At the launch of his book 'Guardians of the Republic', Kumar expressed that among all qualities of democratic leadership, magnanimity stands as the most important.

"Democratic leadership requires not narrowness of mind, but largeness of spirit and magnanimity of heart. This quality of leadership was embodied by Manmohan Singh... And similarly by Jawaharlal Nehru," Kumar, who previously served as a Congress leader, remarked.

He further clarified his stance, stating he does not believe any prime minister would do "everything wrong."

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"The perception that this regime or this prime minister does everything incorrectly is simply not accurate," he emphasized.

When questioned about his ideological alignment with Congress after his departure, Kumar responded, "I continue to hold the Congress party in great regard for its ideological orientation. I maintain deep respect for its current leadership as well."

"Though I have left the party, I hold the highest personal respect for Sonia Gandhi for consistently maintaining civility and decency in public discourse. Throughout my extensive personal association with her, I never found her arrogant. She possesses strong views and distinct preferences, which I acknowledge."

"She represents dignity and civility in public life. I must give her ultimate credit - when she could have chosen anyone to be prime minister from numerous candidates, she selected Manmohan Singh for his civility and dignity," Kumar stated.

However, regarding the party's inability to defeat the BJP, he suggested introspection was necessary.

"Congress remains a great party, and an effective opposition in this country cannot exist without it. That is undeniable. Its influence continues across the nation. However, it has indeed lost ground in certain areas," Kumar observed.

"It must examine its internal weaknesses rather than criticizing opposition parties," he added.

Kumar also pointed out that the BJP bears no responsibility for strengthening Congress.

"Congress must strengthen itself through internal reflection and introspection... For instance, Rahul Gandhi's heart is in the right place. He is idealistic and speaks for the underprivileged, which I appreciate. But somehow, the party's messaging has gone awry. I cannot elaborate further," Kumar said.

"I am not positioned to pass judgment. They must discover this themselves. They have very wise people and leaders. Reviving and strengthening itself is a national obligation for Congress, and I sincerely wish them success," he added.

The book launch was attended by former Supreme Court judge Madan Lokur and former foreign secretary Shyam Saran, with senior journalist Neerja Chowdhury moderating the session.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's wife Gursharan Kaur, former vice-president M Hamid Ansari, and former Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad were also present at the event.

Addressing the opposition's allegations of "vote chori" (vote theft), Kumar stated these claims deserve consideration but noted that when opposition parties form governments based on EVM election results, their accusations lose credibility.

"The entire opposition continually claims elections are being stolen. I haven't thoroughly investigated whether EVMs can be or have been manipulated... But opposition concerns certainly warrant consideration," Kumar stated.

"Those responsible for ensuring free and fair elections should examine these possibilities," he added.

"However, when a party accepts favorable verdicts and forms governments, as Congress has in Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka, it loses moral credibility when questioning only elections it loses. One cannot have it both ways," he remarked.

"I'm not suggesting those alleging stolen elections are incorrect. I merely advise that taking a moral position requires consistent action... Otherwise, one's credentials become questionable," Kumar added.

Discussing his book, Kumar explained it addresses constitutional issues relating to democracy, human dignity, and human rights.

The topics covered are fundamental to India's future and its democracy, he noted. The book comprises essays exploring the meaning of liberty, equality, and justice in everyday life.