Ashwani Kumar: Acceptance of Congress reshuffle shows assent on nominations

Kumar said that by retaining some of the 23 senior leaders, who had written a letter to Sonia, in “important roles”, the leadership has sought to give a “quietus” to “internal dissent” while asserting authority. The reshuffle, he said, bore Sonia’s imprint.

“The limited duration of the tenure of the special committee to assist Sonia Gandhi indicates the possibility of a new leadership structure… An overwhelming acceptance by party men (leaders) of the changes shows the practice of nominations to party posts through a consultative process has found acceptance in the party,” Kumar said. “The litmus test for Congress, however, is to accurately assess public mood on vital issues… The future will depend upon the party’s ability to catch the imagination of the people through transformative leadership.”