I was a Congressi until I asked questions

I Was a Congressi… Until I Asked Questions For many years, I proudly identified myself as a supporter of the Indian National Congress. Like millions of Indians, I grew up believing in its legacy—of independence, democracy, and secular values. My political leaning was shaped by what I had heard, read, and inherited from my surroundings. But over time, I began to ask questions. And the answers I found led me to rethink my position. The first turning point came when I learned that the Indian National Congress was founded in 1885 by Allan Octavian Hume, a British civil servant. While historians interpret this in many ways, for me, it raised an important question about the origins and early motivations of the party. Another moment of reflection came when I explored policies like the Endowment Acts, which regulate Hindu temples. I discovered that such laws were introduced under Congress governments and appeared, to me, to apply primarily to Hindu religious institutions. This made me question whether governance in matters of religion has always been even-handed. I was further unsettled when I came across discussions surrounding former Prime Minister Morarji Desai. Allegations have been made in public discourse that sensitive intelligence information relating to India’s external agency, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), was compromised during his tenure. While such claims remain debated and complex, even the possibility of such a lapse was concerning to me as a citizen. My concerns deepened when I followed the long legal battle over the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. I observed that the Congress party had, at various points, taken positions opposing the temple in court proceedings. For many, this may have been a constitutional or legal stance—but for me, it felt disconnected from the cultural sentiments of a large section of society. Finally, statements made by leaders also influenced my thinking. When Rahul Gandhi reportedly questioned the idea of “Bharat Mata,” it struck a personal chord. For me, the concept of Bharat Mata symbolizes not just land, but identity, history, and unity. These moments did not change my views overnight. But together, they led me to pause, reflect, and ultimately reconsider my political alignment. This is not an article of anger or accusation—it is an account of a personal journey. Democracy thrives when citizens question, reflect, and evolve. My shift is simply a result of that process. Every voter in this country has their own journey, shaped by their own experiences and beliefs. This was mine.