After severely mauled and bruised in 2019 parliament elections, Congress party chief, Rahul Gandh has been sulking and has taken refuse in "kop bhavan (sulking chamber)". He has been eluding even top party leaders and not taking calls.
This is not expected from a leader of the grand old party, that once was an integral part of India freedom movement and post-independence politico and economic development. What does he want to tell the world? Is he afraid of facing the post defeat wrath of party leaders and workers? Or does he want party leaders and workers to beg of him for not relinquishing the top post as is the party culture? Whatever may be his intentions, he hasn't done any service to the party. Blame game has already intensified in Congress and leaders are passing the buck onto each-others. Fortunately for RaGa, no one has blamed him and he has squarely owned the responsibility of drubbing at the hustings. Whatever may be the reasons , he hasn't done any service to the party.
Running away from the front is an act of cowardice and shunning away from given responsibilities. He was chosen as an natural successor to Nehru-Gandhi dynasty in Congress with much fanfare. Undoubtedly, the rally point behind this was the blind faith and rising expectations of leading the party from the front to a victory. It is no secret that Nehru-Gandhi dynasty sans Congress party is seen , piratically, a big lump. Even with Rahul Gandhi at the helm of affairs, Congress had to drag "unwilling" Priyanka Gandhi Vadra into election scene though it was a late move. its a different matter that she turned out to be a crowd-puller, but not as vote catcher.
So why is that Rahul Gandhi is in Kop Bhavan? And worse now entire party has decided to remain in this mode for a month, declared Congress spokesperson, Randeep Surjewala on Thursday just a few hours ahead of prime minister swearing-in. obviously, GOP is passing through its worst ever crisis and at he moment sees no light in the pith- dark prospects. Going into sulking chamber is no solution for a party that ruled longest part of post independent India. Its an insult to to those people,who despite "Modi wave" voted for the Congress.
In Indian scriptures and history, the Kop Bhavans (sulking chambers) were known to be used for redemption of “sins” or purgation of the self. Kop Bhavans, were the places or homes to convalesce, lament, brood, grieve, sulk or even cry to come to terms with oneself. This closet was also used to invite attention of someone who mattered, and also for seeking favours from him. Kop Bhavans provided the desired calmness of ambiance.
In Ramayana, King Dasaratha tries to pacify Kaikayee,the step-mother of Ram, after she went into Kop Bhavan, ostensibly to invite concern of her husband. King made a promise and it resulted in banishing Rama to jungles for 14 years. Later, Dashrath died in Kop Bhavan, grieving separation of Ram, Sita and Laxman.
The message of this episode is that even Kop Bhawan doesn't offer any concrete solution. On the contrary it may result in historical blunder. Rahul Gandhi and Congress leaders need to learn from history and scriptures.