The Daily Catch-Up: Congress worries over Vande Mataram, Rahul Gandhi’s protest, and more

In the realm of Indian politics, the Congress party finds itself grappling with the implications of its stance on Vande Mataram, following a protest involving Rahul Gandhi. Leaders within the party are questioning whether this course of action ultimately benefited the BJP, who have managed to frame the debate to their advantage on matters of nationalism and cultural identity. Moreover, Kangana Ranaut's involvement in the Vande Mataram debate adds another layer to the discourse.

The controversy has spilled over into popular culture, with this latest development further fueling the national conversation. Simultaneously, questions are being raised about the direction of Indian politics, which increasingly revolves around personalities and electoral narratives. This column advocates for a shift in focus back to institutions, with recommendations on how this transition might manifest.