Congress’ biggest test lies ahead in the Hindi belt.
NEW DELHI
The elections of key Hindi belt states such as Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are quite crucial for the Congress this time. The victory or defeat of the party in these states will greatly influence the 2024 general elections. In fact, the victory will work as oxygen for Congress.
The election results will also decide the political career of veteran Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot, Kamal Nath and Bhupesh Baghel. The party is relying more on these leaders in all three states. It is also certain that the leader who ensures party victory will become the Chief Minister. The Congress has already given a setback to BJP by winning in Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh. But this is a big test for Congress in Hindi speaking states.
The three prominent Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are already leading the charge. Former Congress President Sonia Gandhi is also likely to campaign at some places. Not only this, Congress has sought caste census trying to make it a major issue before the general elections. The popularity of this issue will be tested in the Assembly polls. Experts also believe that if Congress wins the elections in all three Hindi speaking states, then the scene of 2024 general elections may be different. While the challenge will grow for the Narendra Modi government at the Centre, Congress will have leaders like Kamal Nath and Ashok Gehlot to be projected as PM face. However, both these leaders and the entire Congress have said that they want to see Rahul Gandhi as the Prime Minister. Mallikarjun Kharge’s name is also being discussed. There is apprehension about whether the caste census issue will work. BJP is leading in terms of giving tickets to OBCs. The Congress is confident that the issue of caste census will work.
The upcoming elections are a crucial test for Kamal Nath, Ashok Gehlot and Bhupesh Baghel. The high command gave them free hand to make all kinds of decisions. The political career of the three leaders may be jeopardised if they lose in the polls. There is apprehension whether Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot will be able to remain a powerful leader in the party like before. Almost the same situation will be there for Bhupesh Baghel. In a way, Kamal Nath will be out of politics. That’s why all three leaders are leaving no stone unturned to win. The Congress’ win will give more power to Rahul Gandhi. The victory this time will definitely give strength to the party at the Centre as well.
Although these three states were won by Congress in 2018, after that from 2019 general elections till 2022, the party continued to yearn for victory. A state like Punjab was lost. It could not win Kerala. Party got decimated in Uttar Pradesh.
However, Karnataka and Himachal gave some hope to the party. Congress has been doing all kinds of experiments for the last one year. A new alliance namely I.N.D.I.A has been formed. An attempt is being made to bring the Opposition under one flag. The future of this new alliance will also largely depend on the election results of these three states. If Congress wins, then it will not face any internal issues regarding the leadership of the alliance.