- As you know, the Dance of Democracy in the Indian context is always referred to as elections which keep occurring in one or the other forms around the year. Be it the Parliamentary elections, state assembly/council elections, by-polls necessitated owing to various reasons, Zilla Panchayat elections, Taluk Panchayat Elections, and Gram Panchayat elections, the country witnesses the same perpetually. As is known, every political party unflinchingly vies for grabbing the blessings of the electorate at the hustings. People interested in the political landscape of the country would also know that the all-important Parliamentary elections are scheduled in 2024.
PC: Johnny Wood
- In between, there will be several crucial state assembly elections too expected to indicate where the wind is blowing. The recently concluded assembly elections to five states showcased the strong performances of the Bharatiya Janata Party. These elections also relegated the Grand Old Party to its worst-ever performances leaving it to govern only two states in the entire country. Several regional parties like the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Telangana Rashtriya Samiti (TRS), and the much-improved Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have made a definite foray into the political firmament taking on the might of the BJP in their own ways. Now, this emergence of strong regional parties has ensued at the cost of Congress having ceded power, space, and ground over the last few years.
- Thus, the situation has come to such a pass that an existential crisis is staring at the Grand Old Party. Of course, there are efforts afoot by Congress to stay relevant and be counted amongst the fast-changing times. Indeed, India’s non-stop election jamboree is next scheduled to reach the states of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh this year-end. Thus, Congress is reportedly weighing a bigger role for poll consultant Prashant Kishor to not only prep the party organization for the 2024 elections but also strategize for Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well.
PC: A L I Chougule
- The politics that are heating up can be gauged by the fact that HP’s BJP government, defensive after four by-poll defeats last October, has announced 125 units of free power besides free water for rural areas. Moreover, both national parties must also contend with AAP’s growing stature after the Punjab win. Remember, Congress did put up a determined bid in Gujarat in 2017, but the groundswell that lifted the party has receded considerably now. Further, after the recent defeats, GOP is in dire need of victories against the BJP to convince regional parties that it can lead the 2024 opposition challenge. However, AAP’s rise has complicated the plot, especially for Congress.
- The state’s proximity to Punjab where voters looked past entrenched parties and their netas is a clear indication that the electorate will not mind blessing other than national parties anticipating better delivery of governance. The moot point to ponder over here is will GOP redeem itself to take on the might of the BJP and also thwart other regional parties from further eating into its already diluted heft. The answer may not be so forthcoming, you see. An honest approach from now on might provide more than a semblance of opportunity for Congress if it plays its moves carefully and smartly. A redeemed Congress augurs well for the vibrancy of the democracy in India. Let’s hope it does.
