Prasada’s death signals tough times for Cong

The insecurity draws from the general perception gaining ground in the party that Prasada’s death will “reinforce” the existing coterie politics in the party, which had been kept in check somewhat by his presence on the political scene.

In fact, ever since Prasada made inner-party democracy and coterie politics major issues, Sonia had been compelled to somewhat distance herself from the so-called coterie around her, putting its members on the defensive. “His presence had contributed largely to maintaining the balance of power within the party…it served to keep senior leaders close to the present establishment in check,” conceded a senior party leader and Sonia aide.

In fact, several senior leaders close to Sonia had become wary of him, especially after the Congress chief took the unusual step of offering him an olive branch soon after he lost to her in the party president’s elections. Her decision to patch up with Prasada within weeks of an acrimonious contest was almost akin to a subtle endorsement of the issues raised by him. Prasada was being considered a sure shot nominee for the Congress Working Committee (CWC) which is to be reconstituted by Sonia shortly.

Insiders say that the dynamics of politics within the party is such that dissidence or an alternative viewpoint has always co-existed with the establishment and acted as an equilibrium for balancing the power equations. And with Prasada no more and no other leader in the party ready to take his place, there is nobody left to point out, frankly and freely, the shortcomings in the party’s working.

Also, in Prasada’s home turf of Uttar Pradesh, his loss will have far-reaching political ramifications for the party which is desperately trying to get its act together. Prasada was crucial to reviving the party’s fortunes in the state and this was one of the main reasons for Sonia to buy peace with him so that she could rope in his services.

Party circles apprehend an increase in dissidence and factional fighting among the various groups in the state unit since Prasada’s departure will result in the rival faction getting an upper hand and starting a witch-hunt against his supporters. In fact, his passing away has already kick-started a silent struggle among senior leaders from the state for plum positions in the party hierarchy.