Politics is all about pronouncing a stand and then holding onto it firmly. But it seems Congress does not know this. The Congress that earlier accused AAP and TMC of being in BJP’s court, is today ready to align with the same “non-BJP forces” in Goa. This desperation unveils when Congress declares the chances of post poll alliance in a poll bound state.
Political battle in 5 Indian states
Five states of India- Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Manipur, Uttrakhand and Punjab went to polls starting February, 10. Though the political dynamics of the every state differs from another, one thing is constant that Congress party is not contesting to rule but for the sake of survival.
Congress was never in the race in Uttar Pradesh, yet Priyanka Gandhi was successful in gaining the media attention. But Congress was deemed a player in Uttarakhand, Goa and Punjab.
In Punjab, Congress formed the government, but the exodus of Capt. Amarinder Singh and its loyalists and Singh aligning with the BJP, has questioned the credibility of Congress. But still Congress was in the race while betting on Farmers’ protest and consolidation of Dalit votes.
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In Uttarakhand, the Congress was a bit successful in churning up the issue of ‘unstable leadership’ and gaining some mileage. But Goa is the state of uncertainties. Congress emerged with majority in the last elections was left with just two MLAs when the elections commenced this time. And an announcement of probable post poll alliance in the state of Goa, shows that Congress has no self confidence.
Congress open to post poll alliance in Goa
While assessing the situation with its 37 candidates Congress decided to announce that the party is open to post poll alliance in the state of Goa. Congress in Goa can align with ‘anti-BJP’ forces including AAP and TMC.
AICC Goa desk in-charge Dinesh Gundu Rao, “During elections, there were many allegations made by the AAP and the TMC against us and we have made against them. That was during elections but now post the results it depends on those parties what stand they want to take. For us, we are willing to work with parties that do not support the BJP.”
Read More- A desperate Congress has kept the option of post-poll alliance with SP open
Congress’ desperation shows its pathetic state
Its not new, that the Indian National Congress, which boasts about how it fought for Independence from Britishers, is facing an existential crisis. India is walking on the path of making a ‘Congress Mukt Bharat’, as per the PM.
Congress has been brushed aside by the voters in India in major state and Congress’ vote share advocates for the same. Political analysts believe that, with governments in just three states, it should not be called a National Party anymore.
Read More- What if Congress never existed?
Not only Indian voters, but the ‘reformists’ within the Congress have picked up the gauntlet to erase the name of the party from the Indian subcontinent and this may be the reason behind the desperation in Congress’ loyalists. The same reason defines the insecurity amongst the Congress leadership as well. Not to mention, the Congress candidates were administered a pledge of loyalty.
The battle in five Indian states is not only testing the caliber of Congress party but the Gandhi family and the leaders it has produced. Be it any political party, political highs and lows are part and parcel of its existence. There came a time during Janata Dal’s government, when it was predicted that Congress will never rise to power again. This was just proven to be a myth.
Congress is again battling a new low, first scams and scandals, then dropping vote share and finally mass defections. The brother sister duo of Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi have done it all to register their presence at the political foregrounds.
But the exit polls of the poll bound states present a different story. Congress does not stand even in the states, where it was considered to be a competitor.
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Congress may be fighting the assembly elections, but the test is up for the Gandhi family, can they provide the leadership the Congress needs and help it survive or will the leadership sink the boat of Congress.