SHILLONG, Feb 27: The Congress party’s poor performance over the last three elections has led to growing calls for a change in leadership. With frustrations running high among party members, an in-depth review is being demanded, and a possible reshuffle appears to be on the cards.
“There are voices of dissent, and some members are expressing their frustration. However, as far as the organisation is concerned, there is no widespread discontent. A few individuals within the party have raised concerns, but not everyone shares this view. At the same time, there are also those who believe the president should continue. After all, we are a democratic party,” a party source said on Thursday.
According to another party member, “The voices of dissent are getting louder in some quarters, but the party has not made any official decision or held discussions on the matter.”
“What’s most important is not just the leadership but also introspecting on our performance in the last three elections. Have we gained or lost vote share? In which districts are we losing or gaining? Why are we losing? Is our support shifting to the ruling party or to a new political force? These are the critical questions we need to address,” the member added.
Emphasising the need for a thorough assessment, the party member said, “There is a strong demand for an in-depth review of how our vote share has changed over time, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we will change the party leadership.”
“There may be some organisational changes and a possible reshuffle, but I don’t think the party is heading for a complete overhaul,” the source added.
The party is expected to hold a meeting soon, where members’ opinions will be sought and discussed.
“I don’t foresee any immediate change in leadership. However, frustration is high, and party members are pushing for a review,” the source said.
Weak organisation at the grassroots
Meanwhile, Congress leader Deborah Marak acknowledged that the party’s electoral setbacks were largely due to weak grassroots organisation and a lack of resources.
“We must now focus on aggressively rebuilding and strengthening our organization at the ground level while rejuvenating our party workers,” she said.
Her statement comes after the Congress party failed to secure a single seat in the KHADC elections, managing to win only three seats in JHADC.
Once a dominant force in the state, the party has now been reduced to a single MLA, a single MP, and three MDCs in Jaintia Hills.
Despite the setback, Marak congratulated the VPP on their victory and expressed hope that the newly formed party would fulfill its promises and meet the aspirations of the people.
