ThePrint NationalInterestPod: INDIA has a Congress-sized hole. And the fix begins with a little humility
Nov 15, 2025
The discussion highlights BJP's current dominance and the challenges facing Congress. It emphasizes Congress's need for self-reflection to reclaim strength. Comparisons are drawn between regional parties and Congress's stagnant vote share. A proposed strategy for Congress is to evolve into a value-driven entity, moving from 20% to 27% support by adopting humility. The problems with negative campaigning and the necessity of a positive agenda are analyzed. The episode concludes with a warning about the risks of inaction and the need for leadership reform.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Modi's Momentum And Congress's Role
- Shekhar Gupta notes Narendra Modi's post-2024 wins restored his apparent invincibility and turned Indian politics into a one-horse race.
- The opposition's stumble after 2024 is largely due to Congress's failures, making a Congress revival essential to challenge the BJP.
Congress's 20% Is A Strategic Asset
- The Congress retains just over 20% of the national vote share, a durable political capital since 2014.
- Gupta argues Congress needs only a small additional vote share to alter national politics and force a genuine NDA coalition.
Reboot Congress With Humility
- Gupta urges Congress to adopt humility and treat its 20% vote as startup capital to rebuild strategically.
- He recommends shedding entitlement and reinventing as a focused contender to win the extra votes needed.