Need for introspection without blaming anyone, written by Abhijit Paul

//Abhijit Paul//

The message of change that the people of Silchar wanted to convey is clearly reflected in today’s election results. Six independent candidates have emerged victorious, many of whom have been associated with the Congress in the past. At the same time, in several constituencies, the presence of disgruntled Congress candidates contesting as independents also benefited the NDA candidates.

The most concerning aspect is that we have failed to retain our traditional support even in minority-dominated wards. This, too, is a matter of serious introspection for us. Rather than blaming any particular community, the right approach is to understand why we failed to retain the trust and confidence of those people.

Today’s result is not merely a defeat for us; it is an important political lesson. We need to examine where we fell short—whether in the selection of candidates, coordination within the organisation, communication with our workers, or our relationship with the people.

Grand statements, personal publicity through posters and banners, or visibility on social media can never be a substitute for a strong organisation. Being there for the people, respecting our workers, and building a relationship of trust with every voter are the real sources of political strength in the long run.

This is not the time to blame anyone. It is time to look within. We must bounce back through self-criticism, discipline, unity and by strengthening the organisation.

The party is bigger than the individual.

The organisation is bigger than position or office.

And above everything else stands the trust of the people.

If this defeat gives us an opportunity to correct ourselves, then this very result can become the foundation for our comeback in the days ahead.