SHILLONG: In a spirited defense of the Indian National Congress’s relevance in the current political climate, Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) leader Manuel Badwar has asserted that the Congress remains the only essential opposition required for a healthy democracy.
While acknowledging that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has gained ground in certain states, Badwar dismissed the narrative that the Congress is fading, pointing to strong performances in states like Kerala where the party has emerged with flying colours.
He noted that even in states like Tamil Nadu, like-minded parties with ideologies strictly opposed to the BJP have come to the fore, suggesting a growing public awareness of the BJP’s working methods.
Reflecting on recent electoral setbacks, Badwar admitted the party lost in Assam and explained that West Bengal was never a Congress stronghold due to the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) playing “hardball.” He criticized the AITC for refusing pre-poll alliances, suggesting they are now suffering the consequences of that decision.
However, he warned against the assumption that BJP victories in some regions would translate into a national sweep, stating that ideologically, the BJP has a long way to go. He specifically highlighted that the populace in states like Meghalaya is not ideologically aligned with the BJP, and while he accused the saffron party of using government mechanisms and “tricks” to win, he insisted that the Northeast will not be a “cakewalk” for them.
Looking ahead to the state’s political future, Badwar expressed confidence that the Congress would return to power sooner rather than later. He argued that the public is slowly realizing that the “divisive tactics” of the BJP will not resonate in the long term.
While acknowledging that regional forces will play a critical role in Meghalaya—mirroring a national trend—he believes the Congress is the national alternative. Despite what he described as a “bad spade of times” for the party locally, he emphasized that the road to 2028 is long and that the Congress is currently rebuilding “brick by brick and unit by unit” at the grassroots level to ensure a comeback in the next Assembly elections.
On the immediate front of the Member of Parliament (MP) elections, Badwar moved to clear the air regarding his own political ambitions. Addressing rumors that he might be a contender, he categorically stated that he has no intention of contesting the MP election.
He justified this decision by noting that he is relatively new to the political arena and argued that the remaining two-year term is insufficient for a newcomer to be productive in Parliament.
Badwar emphasized that the state should send a representative who already understands the complex nuances and functioning of the parliamentary system, rather than someone who would spend their short tenure merely learning the ropes. He confirmed that while recommendations for candidates have been sent to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in Delhi, a final decision is yet to be reached.
