Indian National Congress - Grand old party with arrogance

The verdict of 2009 elections has been fair and clear. People are looking for a stable government and the best option available to them was the Congress. It is so hard to absorb that a few years back the same party was so rusty that educated voters hated the party for its corruption and lack of vision. The party was falling apart and was desperately looking for a leader to guide them and get them out of that rut. While dynasty played its part in 2004 elections, there were hosts of issues that made Congress rise to power. After 2004 elections, but before the formation of the government, not much was expected by the urban voters with everyone having a feeling that the same old INC riding on its dynasty is back to power. But that time it became a blessing for the middle class when the UPA leadership chose Dr. Manmohan Singh to be the next prime minister of India. Having a highly educated economist as the next PM was like a dream come true for urban Indians. INC, at least the top leadership, tried hard to shed their image as a laid-back party. The way senior leadership stood for the nuclear deal was commendable, which really earned them a lot of respect before going to the elections. Election 2009 needs appreciation for the fact that the verdict has been pro-development. Rise of Mr. Nitish Kumar, fall of RJD and LJP, dismal performance by SP and BSP illustrate the 2009 mandate. Congress has done reasonably well in the past 5 years in terms of overall development. This is coupled with the fact that Indian citizens are looking for a stable government at the center which can really push for reforms. These along with other factors lead to the rise of the grand old party once again. But now is the time for contemplation. Past five years had been hard for the party where they had to move along the terms of the coalition. So it was hard to push for reforms and make urban voters change their view about the party. All the work has now been done but now comes the old party arrogance. Many recent statements from the senior leadership have been pompous and humiliating. It must be noted that while the senior leadership looks very intellectual and sincere, the party is not free of corruption at the lower level. Arrogance coming from the high end will only make situation worse at the lower end.