Editor
The editorial “Whither Congress Revival” (ST October 25, 2025) made interesting reading. The possibility of the Congress party returning to power in India in 2029 is a complex and evolving scenario, shaped by both internal recalibration and external political dynamics. After the 2024 general elections, Congress saw a surprising resurgence, nearly touching 100 – seat mark, and Rahul Gandhi assumed the role of leader of Opposition for the first time. This shift has energised the I.N.D.I.A alliance, which includes Congress and other opposition parties, positioning them as a more formidable bloc against the BJP. Analysts argue that Congress must rebuild its grassroots base, especially in states where it has faded into irrelevance. The party’s current strategy appears paradoxical in shrinking to grow by focusing on weakening BJP’s dominance before presenting a unified alternative. The rise of regional parties and the North-South divide are reshaping India’s political landscape. Congress’s ability to forge durable coalitions, especially with strong regional players, will be crucial for any 2029 comeback. Here I am in sync with the editorial that “the Bihar elections would be a litmus test for the Congress Party.”
Challenges ahead: The BJP remains dominant in many states and retains strong organizational machinery. Congress must navigate delimitation debates, leadership clarity and symbolic capital erosion in key regions. While a full return to power is uncertain, Congress is no longer seen as electorally irrelevant. If it sustains its momentum, deepens alliances and reclaims trust in key states, a coalition led return to governance in 2029 is plausible.
Congress in Meghalaya: “Today the Congress Party in Meghalaya is reduced to a shadow of itself and needs injection of leadership that can enthuse party workers,” points out the editorial which is rightly so. The Congress in Meghalaya has undergone a dramatic collapse, from once governing the state to now having zero representation in the Assembly as of July 2025. Meghalaya is now the third state in the Northeast without any Congress representation in the Assembly. Nagaland and Sikkim are the two other states. The Congress’s slide began in November 2021 when 12 of its 17 MLAs, led by former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, had joined the All India Trinamool Congress and over time three other MLAs joined NPP and the remaining two others embraced the United Democratic Party. The resignation of its last MLA, Ronnie V Lyngdoh on July 30, 2025, and the earlier defection of senior leaders marked a symbolic and structural unravelling. If the Congress is to revive in Meghalaya it will have to reposition itself as a custodian of Khasi-Jaintia-Garo pluralism, not just a national echo. It will have to reconnect with sacred geographies and festivals to rebuild emotional resonance. Rebuild youth and women’s wings with participatory pedagogy. Use folk tales, protest memory and oral traditions to re-anchor trust.
“State Presidents are not elected but appointed by the High Command thereby depriving grassroots workers of their right to elect a person of their choice.” This is a sharp observation of the editor and it touches on a deeper tension between centralized authority and participatory legitimacy with legacy political structures. The Congress’s appointment culture reflects a top-down culture where decisions, especially leadership appointments are made by a small coterie in Delhi often sidelining local cadres. This model, though it offers short-term coherence, erodes symbolic capital and civic trust at the grassroots, especially in regions like Meghalaya as indigenous epistemologies and local legitimacy matter deeply.
The lack of internal democracy weakens Congress’s ability to regenerate from below, making it vulnerable to defections, fragmentation and narrative erosion. There is a need for leadership reboot in Meghalaya by replacing Vincent Pala who was never elected to the post of President with a locally rooted, symbolically resonant leader and map leadership credibility across districts and ethnic enclaves through democratic election of Party leadership at the Unit, Block, District and State level. The Congress may calibrate alliances by exploring tactical alliances with UDP, HSPDP or even TMC to avoid vote fragmentation. It can embed indigenous governance principles into its manifestos and co-create policy modules with local scholars and elders in bringing about its resurgence in the State.
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh,
Via email
A Neopagan’s Prayer
Editor,
As of today, I don’t really know who might be a suitable patron for swimming. However, Poseidon, the Greek God of the Sea, is associated with the vast waters and swimmers often pray for safe passage and calm waters which align with his domain. I am sure that Poseidon himself, is thoroughly pleased with the owners of the True North Fitness and Swimming Academy for they have acted on his behalf and answered the prayers of the swimmers. They have organised the 1st All Shillong Inter School Swimming Championship 2025 (24th-25th October 2025 – Lapalang Sawlad Road).
It was a grand event hosting a great number of students. They have left a great first impression on the students, parents, and school teachers/coaches, and all present in the event. The timing was impeccable – the inauguration, the swimming events of various categories and the regular breaks for students after a certain number of events. The centre of attraction is the huge swarm of students gathering at one place and enjoying the event (shout out to Edmundians, who painted the gallery green). It was a revolutionary initiative, a platform for students to polish their skills and, like one mother complimented – “this is the best way to keep my daughter off the screen and stay physically fit in life.” By no means, am I trying to sugar coat my words as a form of sycophancy to get free Gym Membership, but rather, it is a genuine praise and appreciation for their efforts. What I like the most is the cleanliness and well managed/structured pool area. IF…. IF a private body can provide such facilities, imagine the possibilities and potential it has in shaping future “Michael Phelps” in our very own Shillong. I pray to the Meghalayan God/s of Games and Athletics – Oh Dearest Lords! We worship and burn incense sticks in front of your gigantic posters in every nook and corner of Shillong. With your forever-young-and-handsome-faces, your exquisitely tailored suit and your saccharin-eloquent words… Your Highness! Please intercede with the residents of our Sacred Saffron Olympus. Persuade them to shower their blessings in the form of grants and aids for the various sport and athletic institutions in and around our state so that our children may prosper in all walks of life.
As for TRUE NORTH, we collectively, would like to congratulate you for the grand success of the events. We look forward to more events in the future.
Yours etc.,
Kyntiewborlang Kharakor,
Via emai
