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The explosive comments by expelled Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam, who hit out at the party’s multiple “power centres” before joining the rebel Shinde camp, have once again thrust the spotlight on the internal power dynamics within the grand old party. At the center of Nirupam’s allegations is K.C. Venugopal, the AICC general secretary in-charge of organization, who has emerged as a powerful figure close to Rahul Gandhi.
Nirupam’s outburst against Venugopal, accusing him of being one of the five power brokers controlling the Congress, is a reflection of the deeper turmoil and factionalism that has plagued the party for years. The former Mumbai Congress chief’s decision to defect to the Shinde Sena faction is a testament to the growing disillusionment among dissident leaders who feel sidelined by the dominant power cliques.
Venugopal, once considered a part of the “reformist” young brigade in Kerala, has undergone a remarkable transformation within the Congress ranks. From his humble beginnings as a student activist and volleyball player to becoming a Union minister and now a Rajya Sabha MP, Venugopal’s rise has been marked by his ability to navigate the complex power dynamics within the party.
According to his confidants, Venugopal’s unwavering loyalty to the Gandhi family and his willingness to “take the rap for the leadership” have endeared him to the top brass. His detractors, however, accuse him of controlling access to Rahul Gandhi and wielding undue influence over decision-making processes.
Nirupam’s allegations against Venugopal, while personal in nature, also highlight the deep-rooted factionalism that plagues the Congress. The party’s inability to maintain discipline and present a united front has been a major factor in its recent electoral setbacks, with disgruntled leaders like Nirupam choosing to defect to rival camps.
The power tussle between Venugopal, representing the established order, and Nirupam, a dissident voice, is symptomatic of the broader crisis facing the Congress. As the party grapples with internal divisions and a leadership vacuum, the clash between these two figures serves as a microcosm of the larger battle for control and ideological direction within the grand old party.
Resolving this internal strife and addressing the grievances of dissident leaders like Nirupam will be crucial for the Congress if it hopes to regain its footing in the country’s political landscape. Failure to do so could further erode the party’s support base and pave the way for more high-profile defections, ultimately undermining its relevance on the national stage.
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