The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) recently protested the alleged mistreatment of 104 Indian migrants deported by the United States. The demonstration, held in the state capital, was supported by the party’s frontal wings, including the Youth Congress, the Mahila Congress, the NSUI, and the Seva Dal.
This protest is notable, as the party has been reduced to just one MLA in the legislative assembly. With many of its leaders joining the BJP, the Congress appears to be a sinking ship, showing little interest in regaining its footing in the state.
Occasionally, they protest on issues directed by the All India Congress Committee, which aren’t necessarily of local importance, slowly fading into oblivion. For the sake of democracy, the party should remain relevant, and the Congress must stay afloat until the last member deserts it.
The party leadership needs to act not only to prevent the party from sinking further but also to keep a check on the government, even if there is just one member in the legislative assembly. The Congress cannot absolve itself of responsibilities as the oldest political party in the country. It has a role to play, and it must play it well and responsibly.
The party should revive its presence at the grassroots level by engaging with committed and willing youths. In this age of easy information flow, connecting with people through various platforms should not be difficult. All it requires is a little effort and willingness.
Often, pressing issues are left unattended in the state. The Congress can fill that gap by asking the relevant questions to the government.