How Congress Insulted Sitaram Kesari?

The Downfall of Sitaram Kesri: How Congress Insulted Its Veteran Leader

Sitaram Kesri, a seasoned politician and the 18th President of the Indian National Congress, is a name often overshadowed by the larger-than-life figures of the party’s history. A loyal Congress worker who rose from humble beginnings, Kesri played a pivotal role in shaping the party’s trajectory during a tumultuous period in Indian politics. However, his unceremonious ouster from the Congress presidency in 1998 remains a controversial chapter, symbolizing the internal power struggles within the party.

This article delves into the reasons behind Kesri’s marginalization, the events leading to his downfall, and how the Congress treated one of its own with what many describe as disrespect.

1. Sitaram Kesri: A Loyal Congressman

Sitaram Kesri was born in 1919 in Bihar and dedicated his life to the Congress party. A staunch Gandhian, he joined the freedom struggle at a young age and later became a trusted lieutenant of leaders like Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. Known for his organizational skills and political acumen, Kesri held several key positions, including that of the party’s treasurer for over two decades.

Kesri was instrumental in navigating the Congress through challenging times, particularly after the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in 1991. His loyalty to the party was unquestionable, but his rise to the presidency after the resignation of P.V. Narasimha Rao in 1996 marked the beginning of his troubled tenure.

2. The Challenges During Kesri’s Presidency

Kesri assumed leadership during a period of political instability. The Congress, which had been the dominant force in Indian politics for decades, was grappling with declining electoral fortunes, internal dissent, and the rise of regional and opposition parties like the BJP.

Key Challenges Under Kesri:

  1. Coalition Politics: The Congress was forced to adapt to coalition politics, a departure from its earlier position of dominance. Kesri’s inability to effectively manage alliances was seen as a weakness.
  2. Loss of Electoral Support: The party faced significant losses in state and national elections, further eroding Kesri’s authority.
  3. Factionalism: The Congress was riddled with internal factions, many of which questioned Kesri’s leadership.

3. The Rise of Sonia Gandhi

One of the most significant factors contributing to Kesri’s downfall was the entry of Sonia Gandhi, the widow of Rajiv Gandhi, into active politics. Initially reluctant to assume a formal role, Sonia’s eventual decision to join the Congress in 1997 changed the party’s dynamics.

Why Sonia’s Entry Was a Turning Point:

  • Legacy of the Nehru-Gandhi Family: Many Congress leaders and workers saw the Nehru-Gandhi family as the natural leaders of the party. Sonia’s presence reignited hopes of a revival.
  • Kesri’s Lack of Charisma: Unlike Sonia, Kesri lacked mass appeal and struggled to galvanize the party’s base.
  • Internal Pressure: Senior Congress leaders believed that Sonia’s leadership was essential to counter the rising influence of the BJP under Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

4. The Coup Against Kesri

The pivotal moment in Kesri’s political career came in March 1998, when a well-orchestrated coup led to his ouster from the Congress presidency. This event was not just a change in leadership but a public humiliation for a veteran who had dedicated his life to the party.

Key Events Leading to Kesri’s Removal:

  1. 1998 Lok Sabha Elections: The Congress performed poorly, securing only 141 seats. Kesri was blamed for the defeat, even though the party had been in decline for years.
  2. CLP Meeting of March 1998: On March 14, 1998, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) convened an emergency meeting to discuss leadership. Without Kesri’s consent, Sonia Gandhi was proposed as the new leader.
  3. Forced Exit: Kesri was reportedly locked out of his office during the meeting, and his resignation was demanded. This public spectacle was seen as an insult to a man of his stature.

The Insult:

  • Locked Doors: According to accounts, Kesri was physically prevented from entering the party headquarters during the CWC meeting, an act widely condemned as disrespectful.
  • Immediate Replacement: Sonia Gandhi was immediately declared as the Congress President, sidelining Kesri without any semblance of decorum.

5. Why Congress Insulted Kesri

The Congress’s treatment of Kesri was rooted in multiple factors:

1. Leadership Vacuum:

Kesri’s leadership style failed to inspire confidence within the party. Many senior leaders believed he lacked the charisma and decisiveness needed to rejuvenate the Congress.

2. Obsession with the Gandhi Family:

The Congress’s dependence on the Nehru-Gandhi family played a major role. Sonia Gandhi’s entry created a natural alternative to Kesri, whose appeal was largely confined to party loyalists.

3. Internal Power Struggles:

Factionalism within the Congress intensified during Kesri’s presidency. Leaders like Sharad Pawar and Madhavrao Scindia were openly critical of his leadership, further isolating him.

4. Electoral Decline:

The 1998 Lok Sabha election debacle became the final nail in the coffin. The Congress’s inability to counter the BJP’s growing popularity under Vajpayee was laid at Kesri’s doorstep.

6. Aftermath of Kesri’s Removal

After being removed from the presidency, Kesri lived a relatively isolated political life. He remained a member of the Congress but was rarely consulted on important matters. His unceremonious exit highlighted the Congress’s tendency to prioritize short-term gains over loyalty and respect for senior leaders.

7. Legacy and Lessons

Sitaram Kesri’s ouster is often cited as an example of the Congress’s internal politics and its over-reliance on the Nehru-Gandhi family. While his leadership had its flaws, the manner of his removal remains a blot on the party’s history.

Key Lessons:

  • Respect for Senior Leaders: Kesri’s treatment underscored the need for political parties to respect the contributions of their senior members.
  • Balancing Power: The Congress’s centralized decision-making process alienated many capable leaders, contributing to its long-term decline.
  • Adapting to Change: The Congress’s inability to adapt to coalition politics and rising regional powers during Kesri’s tenure reflected its broader struggles.

Conclusion

Sitaram Kesri’s tenure as Congress President may not have been flawless, but his dedication to the party was unquestionable. The manner in which he was sidelined and humiliated by his own party was not just a personal insult but also a reflection of the Congress’s internal dysfunctions.

While Sonia Gandhi’s ascent brought temporary stability, Kesri’s ouster serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of prioritizing power over principles. For a party that prides itself on its democratic ethos, the treatment of Sitaram Kesri remains a dark chapter in its history.

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