Two disclaimers right up front. One, the purpose of this column is not to endorse Congress or downplay BJP. Neither is it to suggest either of them as the better alternative. Two, the personalities mentioned in this column haven’t influenced it in any form. Some of us do actually write for the love of analysis and to understand the world better. So conspiracy theorists may try their luck somewhere else. Herds who support a leader blindly may also feel unsettled with this column. They are advised to go back to their WhatsApp groups.

With that out of the way, let me try to address the question being asked a fair amount – “Does Congress actually have a chance in 2019?” To be fair, even now the odds of Modi losing are low. However, the answer to the question is yes.

Congress can win if it makes some changes and gets into campaign mode on a war footing immediately. They may already be too late, but here is a 10 point game plan that could work.

One, anoint a PM candidate. The best bet right now seems to be Sachin Pilot. Yes, Rahul Gandhi is the leader. However, there are enough reservations about him among fence sitting voters, the 5% swing vote, which Congress needs to upset an election.

Sachin has several things going for him. First, he is young, something the other side doesn’t have. Second, the way he talks, his neutral accent and his mannerisms make him seem sharp, and connect better to an average Indian than Rahul. Third, he has a support base in Rajasthan, which Congress might (and has to) win, enabling it to set the stage for 2019. Fourth, although coming from a dynasty, there is some semblance of merit in promoting him to PM candidate. Fifth, Sachin will be fresh. This works for media, social media and young voters.

Two, Rahul backs the PM candidate. He can’t wish away his silver spoon. However, he can be seen as respecting talent if he fully backs his PM candidate. Sachin’s elevation cannot be a palace coup. This cannot be overemphasised. Rahul is the guy who is giving Sachin to the people. It’s the combo that works.

Three, focus on the issues that have hurt people. Modi has worked hard. He is also not seen as corrupt. Many of his schemes were well-intentioned. It’s very hard to attack someone like this. What can work are areas where he may not have delivered to the high expectations he had set himself. Not silencing divisive voices, and keeping India unsafe is one. Choking the economy and not creating enough jobs can be another. An environment where Indians don’t feel as free is one more. Continuous addition of taxes on existing taxpayers is a recent one.

Four, come with your own story. It isn’t enough to criticise BJP. What would Sachin (with Rahul’s backing) do differently? Will he open the economy further? Will he make it a crime for public representatives to make communal statements? Will he bring in another RTI like game changing reform to curb corruption? Just two or three issues that matter would be enough.

Five, don’t be seen as anti-Hindu. One of the reasons people were upset with Congress was that it would ignore Hindu sentiments to nurture its minority voter base. Minority votes are in the bag already. Congress needs to come up with a lighter, non-danda maar version of modern Hinduism, that is aspirational for the new generation yet satisfactory for traditionalists.

Six, alliances, alliances, alliances. Congress is too weak at the moment to go it alone. It needs to form alliances and give up more power than it may want to. As long as there’s a no-scam guarantee from coalition partners – because scams bring governments down – it will pay to have as many tie-ups as possible. Seat arithmetic will be crucial. It worked in Bihar but failed miserably in UP. Find that balance.

Seven, cull old names. We all know who they are: Congress leaders who represent old Congress arrogance and elitist attitudes. One such leader can negate the good work of ten others. They must be out.

Eight, chase that fence sitter vote. There are millions of first time voters, and new voters who are not sure who to vote for. That’s what makes the difference. BJP, despite some groaning, did promote Modi despite the presence of more senior BJP leaders. The reason? Modi could pull that vote. Whatever the hierarchy is, if the candidate can pull in a few percentage points of extra votes, he is the face. Simple.

Nine, go digital. Rallies still matter. However, with every election, the impact of digital campaigning is increasing. Does Congress have the content ready for 2019? Short video clips, pictures, data – all that can be easily passed around on phones and is interesting to watch will be important. Get to work on it now.

Ten, don’t be evil. The above points are all ways to win elections. But in your heart, try not to be evil. Yes, power is poison, but you don’t have to make it more poisonous than it need be. Genuinely care for India and Indians, and the results will come.

Of course, the above is by no means an indication BJP needs to or is likely to lose. However, a great democracy is when even the opposition has a good chance. And it is important to know how exactly that chance can be converted to a victory. May the best party win!