Uttar Pradesh Bypolls: The political landscape is heating up as Uttar Pradesh gets ready for crucial bypolls while Maharashtra and Jharkhand prepare for their assembly elections in 2024. The Election Commission has set the stage with the UP bypolls scheduled for November 13, and results set to be revealed on November 23. As political parties hustle to gain ground, the decisions and alliances they form today could have lasting repercussions on the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand.
BJP’s Push in Uttar Pradesh Bypolls
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is determined to make a significant impact in the Uttar Pradesh by-elections, pulling out all the stops to secure these nine assembly seats. In response, the 'INDIA' alliance, which includes the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP), is working to increase its influence. Yet, the Congress appears to be struggling for relevance in UP, particularly after a dismal showing in the recent Haryana elections.
Congress’s Strategy in Uttar Pradesh: A Fight for Survival?
Congress’s standing in Uttar Pradesh has reached a critical point. In what seems like a bid for survival, the party has decided to surrenders to SP by supporting its candidates running under the iconic 'cycle' symbol. This alliance-like decision has raised eyebrows, as Congress has not fielded its own candidates for any of the nine seats, instead aligning itself behind the SP. The choice to step back in Uttar Pradesh has sparked debates on whether it will have a ripple effect on the party’s performance in the Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly elections in 2024.
Setback in Haryana and Its Ripple Effects
The recent Haryana assembly elections saw Congress win just 37 seats, while the BJP managed to clinch 48 seats and form the government for the third consecutive term. This defeat has dented Congress’s reputation, and its struggles in UP have further highlighted the party’s challenges. Despite these setbacks, Congress has chosen to stand behind the SP in the UP bypolls, a decision that reflects its current vulnerable position in the state.
Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024: Congress’s Stronghold?
Unlike its shaky position in Uttar Pradesh, Congress seems to be holding firm in Maharashtra. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Congress achieved a notable victory by securing 13 seats, surpassing major parties like BJP, NCP factions, and Shiv Sena. This success suggests that the decision to back the SP in the Uttar Pradesh bypolls may not harm the party’s prospects in Maharashtra’s upcoming assembly elections. Yet, politics remains unpredictable, and unforeseen shifts can always occur.
Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2024: A United Front for Congress
In Jharkhand, Congress is part of the 'INDIA' alliance, joining forces with the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and left-leaning parties like CPI. The seat-sharing formula for Jharkhand’s assembly elections sees 70 out of 81 seats divided between Congress and JMM, while 11 seats go to RJD and other allies. Congress’s decision to take a backseat in the Uttar Pradesh bypolls is unlikely to create waves in Jharkhand, where the party has a clear strategy aligned with the JMM.
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