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The Congress party, aiming for victory in Maharashtra and Jharkhand alongside INDIA bloc allies, is taking decisive steps to quell internal conflicts after facing a setback in Haryana. The party's leadership is keenly aware that infighting contributed to their recent electoral defeat in Haryana and is determined to avoid a repeat in these upcoming state elections. The Congress is urging its leaders in both Maharashtra and Jharkhand to present a united front and refrain from publicly criticizing their party colleagues or allies. This directive has come from party president Mallikarjun Kharge and former president Rahul Gandhi, who conveyed their expectations during an internal meeting. The stakes are high in both Maharashtra and Jharkhand, with the Congress eager to capitalize on the INDIA bloc's growing momentum and the public's desire for change.
In Maharashtra, the upcoming election is anticipated to be a close contest between the ruling Mahayuti Alliance (BJP, Shiv Sena-Eknath Shinde, and NCP-Ajit Pawar) and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition (Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP-Sharad Pawar, and Congress). The Congress is banking on its strong performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the MVA alliance secured 31 out of 48 seats, in contrast to the party's less impressive performance in Haryana. The Congress currently holds the largest number of seats in the Maharashtra assembly opposition, and its leaders have hinted at their aspirations for the chief minister position. The party is strategizing to counter the BJP-led alliance by outlining its own set of promises and guarantees for the state.
In Jharkhand, the Congress is relying on its alliance partner, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), which won the previous assembly election and is aiming for a second term. The JMM, a part of the INDIA bloc, is facing the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), composed of the BJP, the Janata Dal (United), and the All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU). The Congress recognizes the importance of maintaining a united front with the JMM to maximize their chances of success in this crucial election. Both the Maharashtra and Jharkhand elections are crucial for the Congress, not just for state-level power but also for the larger narrative of the INDIA bloc's national ambitions. The Congress, determined to learn from past missteps, is committed to presenting a united and focused approach in both states. The party's strategic moves, including the appointment of senior observers and the emphasis on internal harmony, indicate its ambition to make significant gains in the upcoming elections.
Source: Congress warns leaders against infighting before Maharashtra assembly polls, wary of Haryana loss