(Gandhi) Khandaan: Season seven, Episode 1046
The TLDR: The so-called mutiny against the Gandhi family followed a predictable script—more thaka than an episode of ‘Balika Vadhu’. Son defended Mother’s honour. Mother played martyr. Loyalists rose to their queen’s defense. BJP made a brief cameo as an off-screen villain. Much of this Zoom-hosted drama was leaked to TV channels, which in turn sparked a Twitter kerfuffle. All of it ended in a widely-expected whimper. But the very monotony of this latest episode confirms what everyone already knows: There will be no reboot of a tired franchise that is way past its cancellation date.
The recap: The story thus far:
- Over the weekend, the Indian Express published contents of a letter signed by 23 senior Congress leaders—which was sent to Sonia Gandhi.
- It called for a “full time and effective leadership” which is both “visible” and “active” in the field—and a sweeping set of reforms to revive the party.
- But the missive also included “three paragraphs recounting contributions to the party from Jawaharlal Nehru to Sonia and Rahul.”
- Why this mattered: the signatories included not just big-name veterans like Shashi Tharoor and Kapil Sibal, but also the present leader of the opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad—and a number of former Chief Ministers and leaders of state party units.
- Sonia Gandhi soon after declared her intent to step down from her position as interim party chief—which she took on when Rahul resigned after the humiliating defeat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
- Die-hard Gandhi loyalists quickly accused the signatories of great betrayal and providing aid and comfort to the enemy, aka the BJP.
- All this just ahead of a key Congress Working Committee meeting that was held on Monday. (The CWC is the core leadership group within the party.)
How it played out
The scene: The meeting was held via video-conferencing—which proved handy for wannabe leakers. TV news channels and folks on Twitter were soon offering blow-by-blow accounts of the parody that followed. The meeting lasted seven futile hours.
The mutineers: were hopelessly outnumbered. Only four were in attendance, the most prominent being Ghulam Nabi Azad—who appears to have taken most of the verbal whipping.
The raging son: Rahul Gandhi launched the opening attack as both commander-in-chief and “concerned son.” His biggest gripe: the timing of the letter—which coincided not just with Congress’ troubles in Rajasthan but also his mother’s hospital visit. He said he was “pained” not just as… wait, what is Rahul again? The MP from Wayanad? Interviewer of smart people? In any case, Gandhi Jr said he was upset “because she is also my mother and you chose to attack her at this weak moment.”
An army rises: Soon it was open season for the rest, who joined in with even greater zest—each eager to prove more bloodthirsty than the Prince. Some asked for disciplinary action, others darkly questioned motives. All affirmed the greater glory of the Gandhi family.
A BJP-themed sideshow: All hell broke loose when NDTV reported that Rahul had accused the mutineers of colluding with the BJP. This in turn led Kapil Sibal to promptly reach for his phone and tweet in outrage:
“Rahul Gandhi says we are colluding with BJP. Succeeded in Rajasthan High Court defending the Congress party. Defending party in Manipur to bring down BJP government. Last 30 years have never issued a statement in favour of BJP on any issue. Yet we are colluding with the BJP.”
Hasty statements were issued by the Congress spokesperson. Rahul had to duck out to call Sibal who then “withdrew his tweet.” The BJP likely pissed themselves laughing, but (showing uncharacteristic tact) said nothing—no doubt following the old rule: Never interrupt an enemy who is busy destroying himself.
The martyr-in-chief: Sonia Gandhi announced her intent to quit at the outset, and then didn’t utter a word—looking suitably gaunt and grave (See leaked screenshot below).
But when Gandhi Sr finally spoke, she delivered an impeccable performance in her assigned role as the selfless queen:
“We are a large family. We have differences and different views on many occasions. But in the end we come together as one. I don’t hold any ill-will or grudge against any colleague. I treat everyone as part of the Congress family irrespective of however hurtful their views have been today or in the past. I have always risen above these to keep the family together.”
The outcome: The CWC passed a resolution mostly praising the Gandhis, and calling for a six-month plan to find a new president. Only noteworthy bit: a warning to future dissenters that would have made the old Politburo proud:
“[The] CWC, reflecting the overwhelming view and desire of the rank and file of the Congress, unanimously resolved to strengthen the hands of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in every possible way. The CWC makes it clear that no one will be, or can be, permitted to undermine or weaken the party and its leadership at this juncture.”
Postscript: At least nine of the mutineers—including Tharoor and Sibal—met at Azad’s residence after the meeting, and declared themselves “satisfied” with this “very amicable closure.”
Reading list
Times of India and Indian Express offer a detailed account of the meeting. The Telegraph has more on the leak, and what is next for Congress. Also in Indian Express: a report on the end of the mutiny. We recommend: This cartoon that perfectly reflects every voter’s dilemma. Also, Shivam Vij in The Print on the great unknown: the relationship between mother, daughter and son, and who calls the shots. This Wire op-ed—written before the meeting (and may be wishful thinking)—warns of a greater, stronger rebellion if the meeting fails to produce meaningful change.