What if there was no Congress Book Review : A Bold and Provocative Reimagining of India's History

What if there was no Congress Review

Name: What if there was no Congress

Launch: 5 January 2024

Author: Priyam Gandhi - Mody

Genre: History, India, Politics, Non-Fiction

Rating: ★★★★

Buying Link: Amazon

What if there was no Congress Review

What if there was no Congress in India? This is the intriguing question that political commentator Priyam Gandhi-Mody asks in her book 'What If There Was No Congress: The Uncensored History of Independent India'. The book, published by Rupa in January 2024, is a revisionist account of India's political history over the last 80 years, from the Partition to the present day. Gandhi-Mody challenges the dominant narrative of the Congress party as the sole architect of India's freedom and development, and explores how different India would have been, if Mahatma Gandhi's call for disbanding the Congress in 1948 had been heeded. The book is a fascinating and controversial read that will make you rethink your assumptions and opinions about India's past, present and future.

The book is divided into four parts, each focusing on a different aspect of India's history: Partition, territorial integrity, economic policy and governance. In each part, Gandhi-Mody analyses the role and impact of the Congress party on the events and outcomes that shaped India's destiny. She also presents alternative scenarios and counterfactuals that show how India could have avoided some of the mistakes and tragedies that befell it under the Congress rule. For example, she argues that if the Congress had not insisted on the Partition, India would have remained a united and secular nation, with less violence, communalism and regionalism. She also claims that if the Congress had not interfered in Kashmir, the state would have acceded to India peacefully, without the need for a prolonged and costly conflict. She further contends that if the Congress had not adopted a socialist and protectionist economic policy, India would have achieved faster and more inclusive growth, with less poverty, corruption and inequality. She also criticizes the Congress for its poor governance, lack of accountability, dynastic politics and intellectual colonization, and suggests that India would have been better off with a more democratic, transparent and meritocratic system.

The book is well-researched and well-written, with ample references and quotations from various sources, such as historical documents, speeches, interviews, books and articles. Gandhi-Mody also draws from her own experience and expertise as a political communicator and analyst, and uses a clear and engaging style to convey her arguments and opinions. The book is not a dry or academic treatise, but a lively and provocative commentary that invites the reader to question and debate the conventional wisdom and the status quo. The book is also balanced and fair, as Gandhi-Mody acknowledges the positive contributions and achievements of the Congress party, as well as the limitations and challenges of the alternative scenarios. She does not claim to have the final or definitive answer to the question of what if there was no Congress, but rather offers a perspective and a vision that can stimulate further discussion and exploration.

The book is a must-read for anyone interested in India's history, politics and future. It is a bold and original work that challenges the reader to rethink and reimagine India's past, present and future. It is also a timely and relevant work that reflects the current mood and aspirations of the Indian people, who have chosen progress over corruption, truth over lies, security over terrorism and growth over stagnation. The book is a testament to the power and potential of India, and a call to action for the people to shape their own destiny.

I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about India's history, politics and future. The book is suitable for a general audience, as well as for students and scholars of history, political science and sociology. The book is also a great conversation starter, as it raises some interesting and important questions for further discussion, such as:

• How do you think India would have been different, if there was no Congress?
• Do you agree or disagree with the author's arguments and opinions?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the book?
• How does the book compare and contrast with other books or sources on India's history and politics?
• What are the implications and lessons of the book for India's current and future challenges and opportunities?