Twenty-five years after his dramatic removal from the helm of India's Grand Old Party, Sitaram Kesri's legacy was resurrected by Congress leaders in heartfelt tributes that painted a portrait of a leader deeply connected to the grassroots.
Senior Congress figures including Jairam Ramesh, KC Venugopal, and Salman Khurshid took to social media to commemorate the former party president on his death anniversary, highlighting aspects of his leadership that often get overshadowed by the circumstances of his exit.
The Grassroots Leader Remembered
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh remembered Kesri as "the last of the Congress Presidents to have risen from the ranks," emphasizing his deep understanding of the party organization from the ground up. This tribute underscores a quality increasingly rare in modern political leadership.
Salman Khurshid's homage went further, describing Kesri as possessing "enormous courage and conviction" - a testament to the inner strength that characterized his political career spanning decades.
A Controversial Transition
The commemorations inevitably brought back memories of one of the most significant transitions in Indian political history. In 1998, the 81-year-old Kesri was asked to step down as Congress president to make way for Sonia Gandhi, widow of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
This moment marked a pivotal shift in the party's direction, moving from a veteran organizer to a member of the Nehru-Gandhi family who would go on to lead the party for the next two decades.
Beyond the Political Battles
KC Venugopal's tribute highlighted Kesri's "strong commitment to social justice," reminding today's generation that his political identity extended far beyond the circumstances of his removal. Kesri's leadership was rooted in principles that continue to resonate within the party's ideology.
The collective remembrance from current Congress leaders serves as both historical acknowledgment and subtle commentary on the evolution of political leadership within one of India's oldest political parties.
Enduring Legacy
A quarter century after his passing, Sitaram Kesri remains a significant figure in understanding Congress party dynamics. His story represents the transition from old-school political organizing to modern political leadership, making him a crucial link in the party's evolutionary chain.
These anniversary tributes ensure that the complete picture of Kesri's contributions - not just his controversial exit - remains part of the Congress party's institutional memory.
