After mixed fortunes in 2024, the Congress faces a challenging 2025 with key assembly elections in Delhi and Bihar. In Delhi, where the party failed to win any seats in the last two elections, and in Bihar, where it secured 19 of 243 seats in 2015 with a 10% vote share, the stakes are high.
The Congress’ high point in 2024 was its success in the Lok Sabha elections, but its fortunes quickly reversed. The party lost Haryana to the BJP and suffered a crushing defeat in Maharashtra, winning only 16 of the nearly 100 seats it contested under the INDIA alliance.
Its decision to sideline AAP in Haryana and push for tough negotiations with allies in Maharashtra drew criticism after the poor outcomes. Allies, including Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) and Sharad Pawar’s NCP(SCP), questioned Congress’ leadership within the alliance.
In the winter session of Parliament, the Congress found itself isolated, with regional allies like the Samajwadi Party and Trinamool Congress refusing to align with its stance on key issues.
In Delhi, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal has ruled out a coalition, leaving Congress with an uphill task. Bihar, however, offers a glimmer of hope if it can finalize a seat-sharing arrangement with Lalu Prasad’s RJD and other INDIA bloc partners.
Tensions have risen as Congress leaders demand seat allocation based on strike rates, citing their better performance in the Lok Sabha polls compared to the RJD. Congress has also advocated for greater representation, including two deputy chief minister positions.
RJD leaders criticized these demands, accusing Congress of undermining coalition unity. The party’s assertiveness risks alienating allies, as seen in states like Maharashtra and Haryana.
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