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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Comatose to combat-ready

Congress takes on the government with a new zeal Mumbai Youth Congress workers organise 'Yuva Akrosh Morcha' in Dadar, Mumbai, on Tuesday to protest against the NEET and CBSE examination scams. Pic: Bhushan Koyande Mumbai: For over a decade since it was eased out of power, the Maharashtra Congress faced a series of electoral debacles, a demoralised organisation and receding visibility – the last which mattered most. That perception is apparently changing as the state and city units have...

Comatose to combat-ready

Congress takes on the government with a new zeal Mumbai Youth Congress workers organise 'Yuva Akrosh Morcha' in Dadar, Mumbai, on Tuesday to protest against the NEET and CBSE examination scams. Pic: Bhushan Koyande Mumbai: For over a decade since it was eased out of power, the Maharashtra Congress faced a series of electoral debacles, a demoralised organisation and receding visibility – the last which mattered most. That perception is apparently changing as the state and city units have gone on the offensive with a series of agitations or protests, raising issues that directly affect the ordinary citizens. Though it has been a key constituent of the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) since 2019, it clawed to retain its identity as a national party and an independent political force locking horns with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Raising a Storm In the past few months, either independently, with Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi or in alliance with MVA constituents like Nationalist Congress Party (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT), the Congress is raising a storm with major issues that rule headlines. These include soaring inflation, fuel price hikes and shortage of gas, petrol or diesel, water crises in many parts, farmers distress, examination paper leak controversies, etc. These are not only winning hearts but grabbing eyeballs in Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Nashik, Pune, Nagpur and other regions with massive grassroots participation and public mobilisation – proving the party is reading the peoples’ pulse correctly – rather than confining itself to media or online crusades. Rahul’s Credit The transformation is largely credited to Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, which the state chief Sapkal – who took charge in Feb. 2025 – taking it forward passionately to the rank and file, spread in the remotest corners of Maharashtra. “He took over the onerous responsibility when the party morale was at its lowest. He launched the ‘Sapkal Pattern’, focussing on energizing the crucial booth-level workers who have direct connect with the ordinary voters, reconnected with local-level issues to keep up the tempo between two elections,” said a Mumbai-based senior leader. On his part, Sapkal has repeatedly given booster doses to the workers, saying the Congress has been a ‘fighter party’ and never shies from taking up issues concerning the common masses. Opposition Space Chief Spokesperson Atul Londhe said the party is implementing the wishes of Rahul Gandhi and the central leadership, handling key states personally and the “changes are visible”. “We shall not allow BJP to get a walkover in anything through its bulldozer tactics. We are with the people of the country and raise their concerns through campaigns and agitations. We will safeguard the Opposition space which is being blatantly encroached upon by the ruling party at all levels,” said a determined Londhe. A Mumbai frontal organisation vice-president said since long, the grassroots cadres of the Congress felt ignored as burning problems of the ordinary masses were not effectively highlighted by the party which seemed to wake up only when the poll bugles were sounded. “Not anymore… We are present everywhere. The people are suffering because of the BJP’s policies. The youth are frustrated as the government doesn’t listen to them and instead labels them as parasites or cockroaches,” said the leader, preferring anonymity. Vocal, visible streetfighter The Congress recently carried out a series of aggressive people-oriented protests - roadblocks against fuel price hikes, bicycle and motorcycle rallies organised by the Youth Congress, demonstrations highlighting inflation, protests over onion prices and farmers woes, ‘handa morcha’ against water scarcity in Mumbai, agitations over examination paper leaks and other irregularities. Positioning itself as the prominent voice of public discontent, the Congress campaigns spanned the state, involving all classes and communities while identifying with the voters who are desperately struggling for survival. While MVA allies also challenge the government, many say the Congress is seen as leading from the front to gradually emerge as the Opposition’s most visible and vocal street-fighting force, setting the agenda for other parties to become an election-ready entity by 2029.

Indecision Kills Personal Branding

Updated: Jan 20, 2025

Indecision Kills

In a world that celebrates clarity and confidence, hesitancy is a silent yet powerful force that can diminish your personal brand. When people dwell in the realms of “I’m not sure” or “maybe,” they unknowingly project uncertainty and unreliability—traits that can undermine the foundation of a strong personal brand. Your ability to make decisions and stand firm on them is not just a reflection of your leadership but also a testament to your personal brand’s strength.


Every interaction we have leaves an impression. Be it a professional email, a networking event, or a casual conversation, these moments contribute to how others perceive us. When you continuously oscillate between indecision and vague responses, it sends a message that you lack confidence or direction. In business, where trust and reliability are paramount, this can become a significant roadblock.


Imagine a scenario where a client approaches two service providers with the same inquiry. The first one confidently outlines a plan, clearly stating the next steps, while the second hesitates, replying with, “I’m not sure; let me think about it.” Even if both have the same expertise, the client is more likely to gravitate toward the first provider. Confidence fosters trust, and trust is the bedrock of all successful relationships—professional or personal.


Indecision can often stem from the fear of making mistakes or being judged. While this is natural, it’s important to remember that perfection is an illusion. The act of making a decision, even if it turns out to be less than ideal, demonstrates courage, responsibility, and accountability. These are the traits that elevate a personal brand, distinguishing you in a crowded and competitive world.


Being decisive doesn’t mean being impulsive or reckless. It means gathering information, weighing options, and then committing to a choice with confidence. In personal branding, this is particularly crucial because every decision you make—how you respond to challenges, present yourself, or communicate with others—forms part of the narrative others associate with you.


Hesitation and indecision don’t only affect how others perceive you; they also impact how you view yourself. Constantly second-guessing yourself leads to self-doubt, which becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more uncertain you are, the more others will mirror that uncertainty, creating a cycle that can be hard to break.


One way to counter this is by setting clear priorities and aligning your decisions with them. For instance, if your personal brand is centred around being a thought leader in your industry, your choices should reflect expertise and foresight. Even in moments of ambiguity, acknowledging the uncertainty while showing a proactive approach—such as saying, “I’ll find out and get back to you”—conveys both honesty and determination.


During my recent trip to Australia, I was reminded of how decisiveness shapes impressions. Whether interacting with global clients or navigating unfamiliar professional terrains, I realized that certainty in communication was key to building trust and rapport. This was particularly evident when representing my personal brand on international platforms. A clear, confident tone opened doors and strengthened relationships that would have otherwise remained distant.


The next time you find yourself leaning on phrases like “I’m not sure” or “maybe,” pause and ask yourself: Is this hesitation necessary? Sometimes, it’s about silencing the inner critic and choosing to act decisively. Even if the outcome isn’t perfect, the act of making a choice positions you as someone who is reliable, proactive, and worth trusting.


Your personal brand isn’t defined by the absence of mistakes but by how you handle them and move forward. Decisiveness isn’t just about making choices—it’s about owning them. And in a world that often feels uncertain, those who lead with clarity and conviction stand out.


Make your decisions a reflection of your confidence, and watch as your personal brand strengthens, opening doors you never imagined.

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(The author is a personal branding expert. She has clients from 14+countries. Views personal.)

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