After Haryana blow, 'overconfident' Congress to be cut down to size by allies in Maharashtra, Jharkhand?

NEW DELHI: Congress's recent loss in Haryana has affected the INDIA coalition of opposition parties, which is likely to cause a shift in their approach to future state polls, ToI reported on October 10. This development has generated mixed reactions among coalition members, including a sense of relief as it may lead to a more balanced collaboration with the Congress party, the report (by Mohua Chatterjee) said.

This recalibration within the INDIA coalition highlights the impact of the Haryana results as they prepare for multiple upcoming elections.

The defeat has led to suggestions that Congress must reassess its strategy. Shiv Sena UBT MP Priyanka Chaturvedi commented on the early trends, stating, "Congress will have to take a re-look at its own battle plans, look within itself, and take into account that whenever there is a direct fight with BJP, Congress seems to be falling weak. It has to rework the entire alliance..."


With elections approaching in Maharashtra, where Congress partners with Udhav Thackaray-led Shiv Sena and Sharad Pawar's NCP, the need for cooperative seat-sharing and leadership agreements is critical. Congress’s recent setbacks could encourage a more collaborative approach within the alliance.

Arvind Kejriwal's AAP did not secure any seats in Haryana, where they ran independently from the INDIA coalition. This result might simplify negotiations for the Delhi elections. Kejriwal emphasized the importance of taking every election seriously, addressing AAP municipal councillors by saying, "no election should be taken lightly. Each election and each seat is tough."

The upcoming Delhi election poses challenges for Kejriwal in balancing competition with Congress while preventing BJP's gain. Previous attempts at a Congress-AAP alliance in Lok Sabha polls failed, allowing BJP to retain all seven seats in Delhi.

In Jharkhand, where polls are scheduled alongside Maharashtra, there has been no formal response from JMM chief Hemant Soren. However, the Haryana result might facilitate easier alliance terms with Congress in the state.