In India's constantly changing political social and economic milieu, the Congress party has stayed one step ahead by constantly reinventing itself to stay in touch with people's aspirations and the political realities of the day. Normally, a political party is known for its commitment to specific economic social and political issues, but in the case of the Congress, 'ideology' does not seem to matter in equal measure. In most cases the Congress's concept of 'continuity with change' has helped the party tide over many crises. However, even though it is always adapting and changing, the Congress can by no stretch of the imagination be viewed as an ideologically-neutral organization. Over the years the grand old party has developed an ideology of its own, albeit in a rather flexible and amorphous manner.

This book tracks the story of the contemporary Congress – its key characters, its ideology, its failure and its success in the years after the Emergency. Using the Congress seat of power at 24 Akbar Road as his vantage, author Rasheed Kidwai draws a compelling account of the rule – both backseat and forefront – of the various Congress leaders, from Indira Gandhi to Rahul Gandhi, who have helped steer its course.