The much-hyped INDIA bloc in Odisha, purportedly led by the Congress, has crumbled even before the electoral battle began, showcasing the party’s ineptitude and inability to form strategic alliances. Despite numerous meetings and discussions, the Congress-led front has failed to materialize, leaving smaller parties to fend for themselves in the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.
While initial talks aimed at joint rallies and a united front against the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the BJP, the Congress’s inability to broker a formal agreement has left the Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Aam Aadmi Party, and other smaller parties to contest solo.
With the CPI, CPI(M), and AAP announcing their own candidates for both Lok Sabha and Assembly seats, the blame game has begun, with leaders pointing fingers at the state Congress leadership for the collapse of the INDIA bloc. This failure exposes the Congress’s lack of cohesion and strategic planning, leaving the political landscape fragmented and the opposition weakened.
As Odisha gears up for simultaneous elections, the Congress’s informal concession of only one Assembly seat to the CPI(M) reflects its haphazard approach to alliances. Triangular contests loom in all constituencies, diluting the opposition’s strength and providing an advantage to the incumbent parties.
Veterans acknowledge the Congress’s dwindling support base, exacerbated by its inability to capitalize on crucial issues like the Pulwama attack and Balakot airstrikes in 2019, which saw a significant shift towards the BJP. With the BJP capturing eight Lok Sabha and 23 Assembly seats in the last elections, the Congress’s failure to regain lost ground poses a threat to its relevance as the principal opposition.
However, a resurgence of the Congress could disrupt the BJP’s dominance and potentially bolster the BJD’s electoral prospects. A three-cornered contest favors the BJD, highlighting the strategic importance of a strong Congress performance.
As the electoral landscape evolves, the Congress’s missteps underscore the challenges it faces in reclaiming its political relevance in Odisha. With the INDIA bloc faltering, the onus is on the Congress to reassess its strategy and regain lost ground to remain a formidable force in the state’s political arena.
amfnews