Why Are Congress and the Entire Opposition Surviving on Ventilator Support

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In Indian politics, Rahul Gandhi’s role is as controversial as it is enigmatic. It often appears that wherever Rahul Gandhi steps in, an invisible eclipse seems to fall upon the Opposition. This is not merely an allegation—over the past decade, election results have repeatedly strengthened this perception.

Why is it that Rahul Gandhi campaigns in the name of the Opposition, but the real beneficiaries—time and again—turn out to be the BJP and the NDA?
Is this just a political coincidence?
Or has the Opposition’s leadership become trapped in the rigid chains of family-centric politics?

2014: The Beginning of the Decline — Congress Faces Historic Collapse

In 2014, Congress was reduced to just 44 seats—its worst-ever performance.
This was not just a defeat; it was a severe blow to the political relevance of the Opposition.

For the first time, analysts openly said:
“Under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, Congress has lost its self-confidence.”

The BJP secured a record majority, while the Opposition began disintegrating rapidly.

2017: The SP–Congress Alliance and the ‘Punctured Bicycle’

In Uttar Pradesh, the much-hyped “young alliance” between Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi collapsed miserably.

The result?
A punctured bicycle, an empty hand—and a historic victory for the BJP.

This defeat raised serious questions about the Opposition’s strategic understanding.

2019: Congress in an Existential Crisis—Even Amethi Lost

The 2019 election was disastrous for the Opposition.
Rahul Gandhi lost Amethi, a long-standing Gandhi family bastion.

Congress slid to just 52 seats.

It was a clear indication:
The nation was unwilling to accept Rahul Gandhi as a viable national alternative.

2020–2022: Kerala, Assam, Bengal, Punjab — A Long Chain of Defeats

Rahul Gandhi campaigned extensively across multiple states, but the results remained unchanged—
repeated, decisive losses.

Political observers began stating:
“Wherever Rahul goes, the Opposition loses.”

Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray Also Paid the Price

The instability of the Maharashtra Opposition alliance further exposed serious strategic weaknesses.
Today, the Opposition in Maharashtra is struggling even for basic political “oxygen.”

Bihar: Tejashwi’s Lantern Dimmed — Congress Vanished Completely

In Bihar, the Opposition had high expectations from Tejashwi Yadav.
But Congress’s weak approach and Rahul Gandhi’s ineffective presence disrupted the entire Opposition strategy.

The outcome—
Tejashwi’s lantern grew faint, and Congress completely disappeared from the scene.

Bihar proved that standing beside Rahul Gandhi has not strengthened any Opposition party—rather, it has cost them political ground.

Is Rahul Gandhi Truly a ‘Curse’ for the Opposition?

Rahul Gandhi’s statements have repeatedly damaged the Opposition’s credibility:

• “Chowkidar is a thief”
• “Constitution is in danger”
• Controversial slogans
• Result — Sympathy and advantage for the BJP

These inconsistent statements and continual strategic missteps have weakened the Opposition instead of empowering it.

Many political analysts now believe:
“Rahul Gandhi acts less like the Opposition’s leader and more like a vote-magnet for the BJP.”

2026: Will West Bengal Be the Next Target?

In the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, will Rahul Gandhi form yet another alliance that ultimately benefits the BJP?

Will Mamata Banerjee’s politics also join the list—after Akhilesh, Tejashwi, and Thackeray—of leaders who suffered due to Rahul’s presence?

This question raises serious concerns about the future of the national Opposition.

Only One Way to Bring the Opposition Out of the Ventilator

If Congress and the Opposition want to revive themselves, they must—
free the party from the grip of family-centric politics.
As long as Congress revolves around one family and one individual, the Opposition cannot rebuild itself.

Internal democracy, leadership restructuring, and promoting credible grassroots leaders—these are the only pathways to revival.

Conclusion: Who Will Revive the Opposition?

The Opposition is currently in the weakest phase of its history.
Its downfall is less due to the strength of the BJP, and more because of the strategic failures associated with Rahul Gandhi.

The Opposition can survive only if it gathers the courage to change its leadership.

Otherwise, the coming years will bring the same story—
defeat, decline, and political irrelevance.