Once a dominant political force in Maharashtra, the Congress is now experiencing a quiet but steady erosion of its traditional voter and leadership base, as the younger generation from many loyalist families either switches allegiance to rival parties or withdraws from active politics.
This ongoing shift is weakening the party’s organisational framework and further complicating its prospects ahead of the crucial local body elections later this year, party insiders said.
In last year’s assembly elections, the Congress endured its worst-ever performance in the state, managing to win only 16 out of 288 seats. It had contested 101 seats as part of an alliance with the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the NCP (SP).
In recent months, several leaders from families long associated with the Congress have made political moves that reflect a decline in the party's influence among its traditional support base.
Senior party leader Anant Gadgil, who hails from one of the few families still firmly committed to the Congress, voiced alarm over the ongoing exodus of second-generation members from families that have been tied to the organisation for decades.
Gadgil, a third-generation Congress leader, said that as someone deeply aligned with the party's ideology, he is concerned about the future of the 139-year-old institution.
Among the notable exits is former Union minister Milind Deora, who left the Congress in 2024 and now serves as a Shiv Sena MP. In Sangli, Satyajit Deshmukh, son of staunch Congressman Shivajirao Deshmukh, joined the BJP.
“In Dhule, Kunal Patil, son of staunch Congressman Rohidas Patil, recently joined the BJP,” said Gadgil.
“In Pune, Sangram Thopte, son of another Congressman and former minister Anantrao Thopte, joined the BJP claiming the Congress did not reward him suitably. Rajashri Patil, granddaughter-in-law of Congress stalwart Vasantdada Patil, too, joined the BJP,” he added.
“Satyajit Tambe, nephew of senior leader Balasaheb Thorat and once believed to be close to Rahul Gandhi not only became an independent MLC, but also a critic of Rahulji,” Gadgil noted.
Archana Patil, daughter-in-law of veteran Congressman Shivraj Patil, moved to the BJP ahead of the 2024 assembly elections and contested from Latur City against Congress candidate Amit Deshmukh.
“There is a growing feeling among loyalists that party hoppers are immediately rewarded. They point out that in Maharashtra, in last 10-12 years, prominent posts were given to those who had either earlier deserted the Congress or joined Congress with party hopping record. There is an issue of wrong choice of election candidates. Loyal Congressman are unable to digest all this,” he argued.
“Many of the younger politicians don't see a future in the Congress anymore. The organisation is weak. Their switch is more about survival than ideology,” remarked a senior Congressman who requested anonymity.
