What was common between the Old and the New Congress?
The most significant commonality between the Old and the New Congress was their standing among the electorate. The New Congress occupied a similar position in terms of its popularity as the Old Congress had in the past. Despite the split and the changes in the party's internal nature, it maintained a comparable level of electoral success and public support.
While the Old Congress was known for its ability to absorb tensions through various factions, the New Congress relied heavily on the popularity of the supreme leader. Nevertheless, in terms of sheer political dominance and visibility, the New Congress successfully restored the status that the Congress system previously enjoyed.
Explanation
The textbook explicitly states in the section 'Restoration?' that while Indira Gandhi re-invented the party, 'The party occupied a similar position in terms of its popularity as in the past.' This is the defining similarity. The context contrasts the internal structures (factions vs. supreme leader), but clearly identifies popularity as the common factor.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify the specific comparison made in the text regarding the 'Old' and 'New' Congress.
Step 2: Locate the sentence stating the party occupied a 'similar position in terms of its popularity as in the past'.
Step 3: Formulate the answer highlighting this similarity while briefly noting the contrast in organizational structure to provide context.