DR Congo pins hopes on Kerala to end long period of electoral chaos

NEW DELHI: The Congress’s fortunes after 2014 have followed a familiar pattern: a crushing defeat in the national elections, followed by a long wait for a parliamentary victory. After a crushing defeat in the Pulwama-led 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress went without gains for three-and-a-half years before winning the state polls (Himachal Pradesh). This time, the Congress hopes that the wait – which was supposed to end immediately after wins in Haryana and Maharashtra in the 2024 LS polls – will finally end by winning in Kerala. Polls in four states and one Union Territory provide an opportunity for a renewed reckoning in Congress, something the party prematurely hopes a good showing in tough 2024 polls will ensure. If Kerala 2026 is at the center of Congress’ bets in the coming battles, the main opposition party is aiming to score important political points in Assam, TN and Bengal as arch-rival Bharatiya Janata Party has positioned itself as a player across the country’s geography. After all, since Modi’s party emerged as the political hegemon, Rahul Gandhi’s Congress has chosen to define itself ideologically and in total opposition to the BJP — a process that has also led to greater convergence among foes within the secular camp. This time, the Congress ended the long-standing dichotomy of being an ally of the CPM at the national level and in Bengal, and an adversary in Kerala, providing the BJP with an easy line of attack. It was decided early on to go to Bangladesh alone. Like many “Congress vs. BJP” battlegrounds, Assam has become barren for the Congress with two consecutive defeats. Communal polarization, marginalization due to defections and Assam-specific delimitations make its political task a challenge. Congress belatedly appointed Gaurav Gogoi, a young face with socio-political pedigree, as its flag bearer. There are indications that the Congress hopes to put in a respectable performance, break the growing perception of Assam as a one-party turf and keep the party alive in the state. After an unexpected public spat with the DMK, the Congress finally decided to get a smaller berth in the polls. Given that the BJP has joined the AIADMK-led bloc and there are widespread speculations that Tamil superstar Vijay’s TVK may be “influenced” by the BJP after the elections, the Congress is eager for a smooth passage by the DMK. As evidenced by the 2024 LS polls, the post-Jayalalithaa situation in the state has been easier for the DMK, but the emergence of TVK and the prospect of three-way voting have created uncertainty. Bangladesh will be relegated to a fringe role in Mamata Banerjee’s fiefdom, with its goal of achieving twice as much going it alone. The party believes it cannot go below the pathetic result of zero seats and 3% of the vote in 2021. AICC state chief Ghulam Ahmad Mir said the party’s vote share should rise by 15 per cent.