As the Indian National Congress celebrated its 141st foundation day amid simmering internal tensions, senior leader Digvijaya Singh stirred a hornets’ nest by drawing parallels between the party’s organisational woes and the robust structure of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
In a series of pointed posts on X, Singh urged Rahul Gandhi to decentralise power, arguing that a lack of ward-level setups hampers the party’s nationwide programmes. He lauded the RSS and BJP’s grassroots models — while clarifying his ideological opposition — insisting they were essential to counter what he called a “dangerous organisation.”
The remarks escalated into a heated debate at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, where Singh expressed frustration over the ongoing drive to appoint district presidents. Party insiders perceive this as a veiled critique of General Secretary KC Venugopal, who carries most organisational responsibilities alone. Whispers also grow for assigning a key role to Priyanka Gandhi, currently without a portfolio.
Party President Mallikarjun Kharge sharply rebuked Singh, warning that likening India’s situation to Bangladesh’s unrest damages the party’s image. He also chided Shashi Tharoor for his foreign policy comments. The meeting, however, pivoted to broader issues like safeguarding MGNREGA, alleged voter theft, atrocities against minorities, and the Bangladesh crisis.
Rahul Gandhi lambasted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for altering schemes without ministerial input.
Post-meeting, Singh told reporters he merely highlighted organisational strengths, did not endorse the RSS or BJP, and denied targeting Venugopal. The party announced a nationwide agitation from January 5 to protect MGNREGA, spearheaded by Priyanka.
With leadership avoiding amplification, the episode underscores Congress’s urgent need for structural revival to reclaim its footing.