Congress’ Gandhi Family Obsession: Blind Loyalty

Congress Leaders and the Gandhi Family

The problem with Congress is not just the Gandhi family’s control over the party. It is also the way state leaders behave in front of the family. The recent scenes involving Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy at Ramlila Maidan are a good example.

Revanth Reddy worked hard to bring Congress to power in Telangana. He fought the BRS government, built the party on the ground and became Chief Minister. But why does a leader with such a political background still appear so eager to stay close to the Gandhi family? Does he really need to be seen around the central leadership at every opportunity?

The same question applies to Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. He has spent years building Congress in Karnataka and played a major role in bringing the party to power. Yet, the visuals of him being pushed aside during Rahul Gandhi‘s rally were embarrassing.

There is a strange pattern here. South Indian leaders seem to have enormous respect for the Gandhi family. They rarely show open resentment, even when they are treated poorly. Their humility is often mistaken for weakness. Respecting the party leadership is one thing, but why should an elected Chief Minister or Deputy Chief Minister accept such treatment?

The Gandhi family may have the legacy, but it is these regional leaders who do the hard work of winning elections. Congress cannot win elections in the South by simply sending Gandhi family members to address rallies. It needs leaders like Revanth Reddy and DK Shivakumar.

The irony is that these leaders seem more interested in maintaining their proximity to the Gandhi family than asserting their own political standing.

South Indian leaders need to realise one thing: being loyal to the party does not mean being submissive to its first family. A Chief Minister does not need anyone’s approval to command respect.

Congress has to change its attitude. But perhaps the bigger change has to come from its own regional leaders. If they don’t stand up for their self-respect, why should the high command bother to respect it?