Sonia joins Congress, but no red carpet from Kesri

The occasion was in complete contrast to the event marking the entry of either S Bangarappa or of Madhav Rao Scindia into the party. In both cases Kesri had personally made the announcement at the party headquarters at 24, Akbar Road. In the case of Scindia, `chacha’ Kesri had first gone to his house and personally escorted Scindia to the party office, welcoming him back into the Congress family.

Initially Gadgil announced that she had joined as an active member, but this was immediately corrected by Fernandes, an old loyalist of the Gandhi family. Gandhi-loyal Congress workers present at the party office fumed at the absence of fanfare and remarked that “this one primary member is equal to the entire AICC.” Sonia Gandhi’s formal entry into the Congress at this stage is likely to destabilise the established leadership of the party, upset the fragile understanding between the Congress and the United Front with the Left set against the dynastic principle, and give a new issue to the BJP to flog. A leaderless Congress has been on the look out for a vote-catching face though it remains to be seen if Sonia is able to revive a demoralised party, for a lot of water has flowed down the Yamuna since 1991 when Rajiv Gandhi died. Gadgil, however, declared that Sonia Gandhi’s decision would “enthuse, galvanise and electrify” the rank and file of the Congress.

By plumping for just the primary membership of the Congress, Sonia appears to be testing the political waters. She is not expected to take up any official position in the party in the near future though, as Oscar Fernandes said, she would be campaigning for the party. Her decision comes at a time when the Bofors investigation has reached the last stages and CBI chief Joginder Singh has indicated that the charge-sheets will be filed soon. Her entry in the Congress is a clear signal to the Gujral government that it cannot ignore her in Congress affairs. (One of the the first moves of H D Deve Gowda was to call on her.

In contrast, Gujral, who had differences Indira Gandhi, merely shook hands with Sonia at his swearing in ceremony.The Prime Minister has made it clear on Thursday that he would not interfere in any of the ongoing cases nor discuss them with the CBI chief.

Sonia’s strategy appears to be first to get a grip over the AICC in the forthcoming party polls, the new schedule for which was announced today, and which have to be completed by mid-June. She will want a decisive say in the disbursement of tickets in the next general elections and though she will campaign for the Congress, she is expected to reveal her cards only after that, depending on how the party fares.

Those who are believed to have played a role in convincing her to take the first step include her secretary Vincent George, M L Fotedar and Arjun Singh. They impressed on her that it was now or never to retain her relevance in the party.

Kesri emphasised repeatedly that Sonia had joined the Congress as a primary member. In other words, constitutionally speaking, she cannot hold an office in the party (till she becomes an active member).

But even without any formal position, her mere presence in the party would make her a rival power centre as the chorus for her to take charge gathers strength. This would erode the authority of Kesri.

In all likelihood the decision to select the Congress president will now be left to her given the Congress ethos, if she refuses to accept the responsibility herself.

This would reduce Kesri to the position of a titular head, even if he is reelected as party chief courtesy her.

The news of Sonia’s decision is believed to have taken Kesri by surprise, when V George called on him yesterday taking with him the requisite forms. She joined the party on March 21, it was announced today. This was nine days before the last day for enrollment and it happened to be on `Navreh’ which happens to be the Kashmiri New Year.

Even as the Kesri camp made it known that Sonia’s entry into the Congress would strengthen the party chief, Congress sources say that Sonia has not been very happy with Kesri’s handling of Congress affairs, particularly the humiliation meted out to Congress (T) leaders before they were readmitted into the party, the ill-preparedness of the Congress in withdrawing support to the Gowda government, and the backing given by Kesri to Gujral as opposed to G K Moopanar who was her candidate for prime ministership and whose elevation would have enthused the Congress.

Oscar Fernandes said in response to a question that it was up to “madam” to decide whether she wanted to become the Congress party president or a CWC member. The Congress president had offered her the membership of the CWC and the offer still stood. However, Kesri has filled up all the vacancies in the Congress’ apex body with the induction of Pranab Mukherji, Nawal Kishore Sharma and J B Patnaik.