Introduction: Patiala, once considered a stronghold of the Congress party and from where leaders like former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh have emerged, is today facing new political crises. This article analyzes how and why the Congress lost its traditional vote bank and ground in Patiala.
More expectations, more contenders
The Congress party, which had performed brilliantly by winning 77 out of 117 seats in the last assembly elections, was now preparing for the municipal elections with the same confidence.
But this time five contenders from each ward were fighting for the ticket.
- Meetings with the Chief Minister’s wife Preneet Kaur intensified to get a ticket.
- The crowd of candidates increased internal imbalance.
- The lack of transparency in ticket distribution angered the workers.
- This situation shows that “too much also sometimes becomes a problem” – it was time for introspection for the Congress.
Internal strife and leadership crisis
- The internal politics of the Congress became the main reason for the imbalance in Patiala.
- There was a lack of coordination among the senior leaders of the party
- Factionalism in ticket distribution harmed the organization.
- Local leaders became inactive due to their neglect.
- While there was a plethora of candidates on one hand, there was also a lack of people working on the ground.
Tussle in SAD-BJP alliance
- The Congress could have also benefited from the tussle between the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the BJP over seats this time, but it did not happen.
- The BJP demanded to contest 30 out of 60 seats.
- The Akali Dal did not agree to this formula, while last time the BJP had contested only 15 seats.
- Ultimately, the lack of clarity in the alliance confused the voters.
- This situation shows that the lack of coordination among the opposition parties could have given the Congress an opportunity, which it could not capitalize on.
AAP’s strategy and attempt to make a comeback
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which emerged as a strong challenger in the 2017 elections, this time entered the fray with full force to regain its lost support base.
- Old candidates like Dr. Balbir Singh became active again.
- The party formed a special panel to finalize the list of candidates.
- The election was considered a platform for ‘political comeback’.
- AAP entered the fray with full preparation, increasing the concerns of the Congress.
Neglect of local issues
Many important projects of Patiala were left hanging before the elections:
- The projects were stopped after the term of the Municipal Corporation ended.
- The charge of administration was handed over to the Commissioner.
- The basic problems of the general public like garbage management, drainage and roads remained neglected.
- This administrative vacuum made the public disappointed with the Congress rule.
Changing public mood and role of young voters
- A major change in the electoral scenario of Patiala has been seen in the form of increasing awareness and active participation of young voters.
- With the help of social media, young voters have now started recognizing the empty promises of traditional parties.
- Congress’s traditional slogans did not attract the youth, while AAP gave prominence to words like “change” and “option”
- Congress remained silent on issues like unemployment, career opportunities and digital services, which turned the youth away.
- Today’s voter is aware and wants policy and results, not just faces.
Weak hold at Gram Panchayat and ward level
- The basis of victory in any municipal corporation election is the grassroots network – Congress’s hold on the ground had weakened.
- Many old councillors were hesitant to contest the elections as they saw their popularity declining among the public.
- The party distributed tickets based on recommendations instead of giving a chance to new faces.
- There was a huge decline in the number of volunteers and workers at the ward level.
- A party that does not have a strong base on the ground lags behind in the electoral battle.
The sharpness of the opposition’s campaign
- While the Congress remained entangled in its internal differences, the opposition parties ran an aggressive campaign.
- AAP reached out to the people on every platform, from door-to-door campaigns to social media.
- The BJP made the plight of the city’s infrastructure the main election issue.
- SAD touched upon emotional and cultural issues, which had an impact in the rural areas.
- While the Congress adopted traditional methods, the opposition took advantage of modern strategies.
Lack of trust in the administration
- People trust the administration only when development is visible – but the stalling of projects in Patiala became the weakness of the Congress.
- Projects like bridges, roads, drainage were stuck for months.
- The condition of sanitation and health services was also poor.
- There was a perception among the common people that “the government is there, but work is not being done.”
- In politics, perception is the real truth – and this time it cost the Congress dearly.
Way forward: Lessons for the Congress
- The Congress defeat in Patiala comes with several warnings:
- The party must prioritise listening to its workers.
- Transparency in ticket distribution and focus on local issues is a must.
- New and capable faces must be brought forward, not just loyalists but those who work at the grassroots level.
- If the Congress believes that elections can be won only on “name” or “history”, then this defeat is a strong answer to them.
Conclusion :
The politics of Patiala is no longer limited to just Amarinder Singh or SAD versus Congress. Now it has become an election of people versus government, issues versus image, and work versus promises. It is important for the Congress to introspect and change its old working style according to the times.
