Mumtaz Patel Criticises Congress Leadership, Seeks Structural Reforms Post Bihar Loss

Mumtaz Patel, daughter of the late Congress veteran Ahmed Patel, has issued a forceful critique of the party's internal functioning following its dismal performance in the recent Bihar assembly elections, where it secured only six seats out of 61 contested—a sharp decline from 19 in the previous term—amid the NDA's sweeping victory with over 202 seats.

In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Mumtaz Patel asserted that the Congress must fundamentally alter its operational model, stating unequivocally that the party cannot continue to function as it did 10, 20, or 30 years ago. She emphasised that India today presents an entirely different political landscape, confronting a more aggressive government and sophisticated opponents, which demands adaptive strategies rather than reliance on outdated methods that have proven ineffective against the current systemic challenges.

Through a poignant Facebook post, Mumtaz Patel lambasted the concentration of power within a select few individuals who remain disconnected from ground realities, leading to repeated electoral failures and the marginalisation of loyal grassroots workers who have endured years of setbacks without recognition or empowerment. She warned that these same figures, despite their role in the party's miseries, continue to be rewarded and deemed indispensable due to their entrenched control, perpetuating a cycle of dysfunction that undermines the organisation's potential for revival.

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Highlighting a profound irony, Mumtaz Patel pointed out that the Congress, which positions itself as a champion of democratic values, lacks genuine internal democracy in its decision-making processes. She revealed that those with intimate knowledge of local issues and voter sentiments are systematically sidelined, while high-level choices prioritise loyalty over competence, further eroding the party's ability to reconnect with the electorate and mount a credible challenge in future polls.

While defending Rahul Gandhi's personal efforts and dedication to the cause, Mumtaz Patel urged the leadership to cease excuses, blame-shifting, and superficial introspection, instead focusing on accepting harsh realities and rebuilding trust among the masses. She advocated for unified opposition action, including potential boycotts of corrupt electoral processes, to force systemic reforms and restore the Congress's relevance in a rapidly evolving political arena.

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