Freeze-frame: Congress must articulate an alternative vision

Mere aggression in Gandhi's speech will not help unless it is backed by a clear and granular action plan

The Indian National Congress (INC) concluded its 84th plenary session over the weekend. If one looks at legislative strength, the most obvious parameter for a political party’s appeal, the Congress is at its lowest point. The 2014 general election saw the party decimated, as its 10-year rule at the Centre ended with it winning less than 10 per cent of the Lok Sabha seats. Four years on, the Congress has lost several state governments as well. With just about one year to go for the next general election, this plenary, therefore, was an opportune moment for the new party president,