Transition strategy for congress: Manmohan Singh to Rahul Gandhi

Abstract

This study is carried out as a part of research on dynastic politics, with emphasis on Indian National Congress (INC). India has a long history of Dynastic politics ranging from Nehrus (Congress) to Gandhis (INC), Karunanidhis (DMK) to Naidus (Telugudesham), Thackerays (Shivsena) to Kumaraswamys (JD(S)). However, entry of family members of various prominent leaders/politicians in recent times has thrown up many challenges in “family run”/dynastic parties. Through this report, we have suggested ways of how the leadership crisis can be tamed for smooth transition and also what are the pros and cons of dynastic politics. The main focus of the CCS is to study role of family/dynasty in various political parties and business houses. We have applied learning from various studies, academic or otherwise, to chart out strategy/roadmap/plan for leadership transition in Congress (from Manmohan Singh to Rahul Gandhi). Under the project we have discussed about family run businesses and political parties in India with a special focus on Indian National Congress (INC). We have studied the history of Congress, various leaders in its long history and the inflection points involved. We have studied the role of syndicates and how it changed the path of congress towards dynastic politics for the future ahead. Moving on, we have discussed the difference in working of dynastic and non-dynastic political parties and businesses. We have tried to compare Indian dynasties with that of world over w.r.t succession planning, working differences & developed/emerging economy etc. Overall, what are the past and current leadership issues in dynastic political parties and businesses, with live case analysis from industry (Thermax, Ranbaxy) and Indian politics (DMK). We have tried to suggest the model principles which a leader should follow in order to succeed smoothly without facing any traps, using the analogy between business houses and political parties. Based on the expected changes in future leadership transitions as compared to past, we have tried to provide a thorough succession planning for Indian National Congress (INC). In addition to it, focused strategic analysis for the political market in India and INC specifically is conducted and recommendations are made. With a special focus on Rahul Gandhi as a future PM, we have discussed focus areas for him and his brand building strategy in the country. We have analyzed his political experiences and successes so far in Indian arena so far. Also, we have suggested various strategies to handle various objections inside the party (dealing with emergence of parallel leaders) and outside the party (from opposition parties). Hence, based on all the work done we have suggested the tentative strategy implementation timelines for Rahul to be next PM succeeding Mr. Manmohan Singh.