Congress Chief and guiding spirit of the UPA Sonia Gandhi has made a welcome return to India after her long treatment abroad. During her absence, the political scenario in the country had changed dramatically. The UPA which is in the saddle at the Centre is beleaguered. There are challenges ahead and crucial battles have to be fought. Till her visit to the US, activist Anna Hazare was only an irritant. He has now turned into a full blown agitator causing a real crisis which has engaged the Congress in a political war of perceptions. The cash-for-vote scam has moved centre stage. It has further strengthened the BJP’s hands in carrying on its anti-corruption campaign. The CAG reports on scams have been grist to its mill. Its only problem is that its own house is not in order, especially in Karnataka.
At the other end, the ruling Congress shows little capacity for cohesive action. It speaks in multiple voices. Factionalism has sharpened its teeth with party MPs pointing accusing fingers at key ministers. The letter from Praveen Aron has alleged that there have been sabotaging attempts in handling the crisis. The UPA has 206 seats in Parliament and enjoys absolute majority. But this comfortable position has not brought in good governance. Even Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, long known as Mr. Clean, is facing flak for shielding the corrupt. Congress prospects of winning Assembly elections in Uttarakhand and Punjab are not altogether bright. All eyes are now focused on how the charismatic Sonia Gandhi with her political acumen and strict adherence to principles steers the Congress out of murky waters. The future of her son Rahul Gandhi– whether he will rise to the top or not– is at stake.