The Lifeline from the South: Congress and the Gandhi Family’s Political Survival

In the epic tale of the Ramayana, Hanuman’s journey from the Himalayas to Lanka to retrieve the sanjeevani herb saved Lakshmana’s life during a pivotal moment in the Battle of Lanka. This rescue mission from the south was crucial for the success of Rama’s army. Interestingly, in Indian politics, the south has played a similar role for the Congress Party, acting as a political sanjeevani to revive the fortunes of the Gandhi family when their influence faltered in the north.

The political legacy of the Congress party and the Gandhis has deep roots in South India. Indira Gandhi, after suffering a major political setback in the 1977 elections post-Emergency, found her political lifeline in the Chikkamangaluru constituency of Karnataka. Facing defeat in Rae Bareli, she turned to Chikkamangaluru in 1978, where a fierce campaign turned the tides for her. This win rejuvenated both her and the Congress, ultimately leading to her return to power in 1980. This marked the beginning of a deep connection between the Gandhis and the southern states.

South India has consistently provided a safe haven for Congress during its political crises. In the aftermath of Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination in 1991, the Congress faced a leadership vacuum. Sonia Gandhi, after much hesitation, took the reins of the party, and once again, it was the southern states that became the cornerstone of Congress’s resurgence. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala formed the bedrock of the Congress revival, while the northern states continued to desert the party.

Rahul Gandhi, continuing this legacy, found his own political resurrection in Wayanad, Kerala. After a shocking defeat in Amethi in the 2019 elections to BJP’s Smriti Irani, Wayanad provided him with a platform to rebuild. His emotional connection with the people of Wayanad, as he often mentions, gave him the strength to navigate turbulent times. As North India increasingly turned into BJP territory, the South remained steadfast in its support for Congress.

Now, with Rahul Gandhi stepping down from his Wayanad seat, the torch has passed to Priyanka Gandhi. Making her electoral debut from Wayanad, Priyanka faces a significant challenge from BJP’s Navya Haridas and the Left’s Sathyan Mokeri. This decision to field Priyanka reflects Congress’s determination to retain its grip on the southern states, where the party still finds strong support.

Historically, the South has been a bulwark for Congress, especially during elections. In the 1977 post-Emergency elections, while Congress was wiped out in the North, the southern states saved the party’s honor by securing 92 out of 154 seats. Similarly, in the 1980 elections, Indira Gandhi’s victory from both Rae Bareli and Medak (Telangana) symbolized her stronghold in the South.

Sonia Gandhi’s own political career was strengthened by southern states, most notably during her contest from Karnataka’s Ballari in 1999 against BJP’s Sushma Swaraj. Although Swaraj fought valiantly, even learning Kannada for her campaign, Sonia emerged victorious, cementing the Congress foothold in the region. This victory laid the foundation for the Congress’s return to power in 2004 and 2009.

As Congress grapples with political challenges in the north, particularly in the face of BJP dominance, the southern states remain the party’s fortress. With Congress-led governments already in place in Karnataka, Telangana, and through its alliance in Tamil Nadu, Priyanka Gandhi’s candidature in Wayanad reflects a broader Congress strategy—Mission South.

For the BJP, the South has been a more difficult political terrain. While it holds considerable influence in the North, the South remains a challenge. Congress, on the other hand, has continued to leverage its historical connections in the region. By fielding Priyanka Gandhi in Wayanad, Congress sends a clear message that it will not treat the South as a mere political afterthought but as an essential part of its strategy.

With three southern states under its control and potential in Andhra Pradesh, Congress is building a formidable front in the South. Political analysts believe that Priyanka Gandhi’s entry into South Indian politics could solidify Congress’s standing in the region, just as the South has historically strengthened the Gandhis during times of political crisis.

As Indian politics continues to evolve, one thing remains clear—the South is not just a political sanctuary for the Congress party, but its beating heart, sustaining the Gandhis through the toughest of times.