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The recent electoral defeats suffered by the Congress party in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir have sparked a wave of criticism from its allies within the INDIA bloc, highlighting deep-seated tensions within the opposition coalition. While the Congress had shown signs of improvement in the Lok Sabha elections, its dismal performance in these state elections has exposed vulnerabilities and rekindled long-standing grievances among its allies. The sharpest criticisms have come from regional parties, who accuse the Congress of displaying arrogance and neglecting the needs of its partners, particularly smaller regional parties. They argue that the Congress's focus on its own strength, rather than fostering a collaborative approach, has ultimately hurt the coalition's chances of success.
At the heart of this criticism lies a perception that the Congress has become too fixated on its own power and influence, often disregarding the concerns and interests of its allies. Several instances have been cited as evidence of this perceived arrogance, with state leaders of the Congress routinely overruling advice from central leadership and making decisions that have alienated potential partners. The case of Kamal Nath's refusal to allot seats to the Samajwadi Party in Madhya Pradesh, the reluctance of Delhi and Punjab Congress leaders to share seats with the AAP, and the decision of Bhupinder Hooda's team to snub the AAP in Haryana are prime examples of this pattern. These actions have fueled a sense of resentment among allies, who feel that the Congress is not treating them as equals but rather as subservient partners.
The blame for this situation has been placed squarely on the shoulders of the Congress's central leadership, which has been accused of failing to control the excesses of its state leaders and of fostering a culture of factionalism within the party. This lack of control has not only contributed to a breakdown in trust with allies but has also created internal divisions within the Congress itself, as seen in Karnataka during the recent government formation. This internal turmoil has ultimately weakened the party's overall performance and made it difficult for the Congress to present a united front against the ruling BJP. The Congress's inability to manage its relationship with its allies and to curb factionalism within its own ranks has been cited as a major reason for its recent electoral setbacks. The party is now facing a critical moment of introspection, with its ability to build a strong opposition alliance heavily dependent on addressing these internal issues and fostering a more collaborative approach with its partners.
Source: INDIA Bloc Turns On Congress After Haryana, J&K Results