The political rivalry between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress continues to intensify, with BJP leader Anurag Thakur taking a sharp dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his party’s dismal electoral performance in Delhi. During a recent public address, Thakur mocked Gandhi, telling him to “zero check kar lijiye” in reference to Congress’ failure to secure even a single seat in the national capital. The remark has sparked fresh political exchanges, highlighting the ongoing friction between the two parties.
The Context of Anurag Thakur’s Jibe
Delhi has been a major battleground for political parties, and in the recent elections, the Congress completely failed to make an impact. The party, which once held a dominant position in the state under Sheila Dikshit’s leadership, has been struggling to regain its foothold for years. In the latest polls, Congress failed to win any seat, leading to widespread criticism and introspection within the party.
Anurag Thakur, a Union Minister and senior BJP leader, seized the opportunity to mock Rahul Gandhi, highlighting Congress’ repeated failures in the national capital. His comment, “zero check kar lijiye,” was aimed at Gandhi’s recent claims of revival and strength within the party.
Congress’ Declining Presence in Delhi
Congress’ decline in Delhi has been evident for over a decade. Once the ruling party in the state, it has steadily lost ground, first to the BJP and later to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
- In the 2015 Delhi Assembly elections, Congress failed to win any seats, while AAP swept the polls with 67 out of 70 seats.
- The 2019 Lok Sabha elections further exposed Congress’ weakness, as BJP secured all seven parliamentary seats in Delhi.
- The 2020 Delhi Assembly elections saw a similar trend, with Congress once again failing to win a single seat.
Given this consistent underperformance, Thakur’s remarks reflect the BJP’s confidence in maintaining its dominance while portraying Congress as a weakened force.
Rahul Gandhi’s Political Struggles
Rahul Gandhi has been leading Congress’ charge against the BJP, positioning himself as a strong opposition voice. His Bharat Jodo Yatra and recent speeches have focused on unemployment, inflation, and alleged corruption under the Modi government. However, despite his efforts, Congress has struggled to translate rhetoric into electoral victories, especially in states like Delhi.
Thakur’s taunt directly challenges Gandhi’s leadership and the effectiveness of his strategies. By pointing out Congress’ electoral failures, the BJP leader aimed to reinforce the narrative that Gandhi lacks the ability to revive his party’s political fortunes.
BJP’s Strategy Against Congress
The BJP has consistently targeted Rahul Gandhi, questioning his political acumen and leadership capabilities. Thakur’s comment aligns with the party’s broader strategy of portraying Gandhi as ineffective and Congress as a fading force. By repeatedly emphasizing Congress’ electoral failures, the BJP seeks to consolidate its support base and maintain its position as the dominant national party.
Moreover, BJP leaders have frequently used humor and sarcasm to undermine their opponents. Thakur’s “zero check kar lijiye” remark is reminiscent of other jibes made by BJP leaders, such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Pappu” references, which have been used to mock Gandhi’s political stature.
Congress’ Response and Future Challenges
While Congress leaders have dismissed Thakur’s remarks as mere political rhetoric, the party faces serious challenges in Delhi and across the country. To regain relevance, Congress will need to:
- Strengthen Its Organizational Structure: The party needs a strong local leadership in Delhi that can effectively counter both BJP and AAP.
- Develop a Clear Political Narrative: Instead of focusing solely on criticizing BJP, Congress must present a compelling alternative vision to voters.
- Rebuild Its Cadre Base: Over the years, many Congress workers and leaders have shifted to AAP or BJP, weakening its grassroots strength.
- Forge Strategic Alliances: Given the rise of AAP in Delhi, Congress must decide whether to compete independently or collaborate with opposition parties.
Anurag Thakur’s jibe at Rahul Gandhi may be a part of routine political banter, but it highlights the broader issue of Congress’ declining influence in Delhi. While BJP continues to dominate and AAP maintains its stronghold in the state, Congress remains in a struggle for relevance.
Whether Rahul Gandhi can lead his party out of this crisis remains to be seen. However, as things stand, the Congress leader may indeed have to “zero check” his party’s electoral performance in Delhi before making grand political claims.