As Uttar Pradesh and Punjab gear up for upcoming Assembly elections, the Congress is encountering familiar hurdles akin to those in other states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Karnataka. In Uttar Pradesh, the Congress and Samajwadi Party are at odds over their political influence despite prospects of an alliance post their improved performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Meanwhile, in Punjab, internal factionalism and uncertainty over leadership decisions continue to trouble the party.
Some political analysts see the ongoing power struggle between the Congress and Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh as a bid to secure more Assembly seats. Congress MP Imran Masood accused the SP of neglecting influential Muslim leaders, a key support base for both parties traditionally. The SP, led by Akhilesh Yadav, is rallying support around the “PDA” plank, focusing on Backward Classes, Dalits, and Minorities, amid tensions with the Congress.
The escalating tensions risk straining the opposition alliance against the BJP, mirroring past instances where the Congress’s stance led to strained alliances. In a show of strength, Congress’s state in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam emphasized the party’s demand for an equal share of seats in the upcoming elections. The Congress’s internal rift in Punjab deepens following the central leadership’s decision to retain Amarinder Singh Raja Warring as the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee chief.
The decision to keep Warring in his position has sparked discontent among senior leaders like Charanjit Singh Channi and Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa. As the intra-party divide widens, dissident leaders are aligning with Channi, challenging Warring’s leadership. AICC General Secretary Bhupesh Baghel is working to resolve the crisis in Punjab, where the Congress faces internal discord at a crucial juncture when it seemed poised for a political resurgence.
