State elections in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and MP: An acid test for Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress' role in Opposition

In the ever-unpredictable arena of Indian politics, the role of a leader often resembles that of a tightrope walker, delicately navigating the tumultuous winds of factionalism, rivalry and public sentiment. Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of the Indian National Congress, now finds himself perched atop a precarious tightrope as he faces his maiden trial by fire in the form of simultaneous state elections in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. These elections are not just another political spectacle; they are the acid test of Kharge’s leadership and the Congress party’s standing in the opposition. As we mark the culmination of Kharge’s inaugural term as the President of the Congress party this month, it’s essential to recognise the remarkable nature of his ascension. In a party where Gandhis have traditionally held the reins for the past two and a half decades, Kharge’s presidency is an unprecedented departure from the norm, signifying winds of change within the grand old party. Congress pitch for election As the election commission has announced the date of the five state polls, including in Rajasthan, Chattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, the Congress has also presented its campaign vision. In its recent working committee meeting, the Congress party left no room for ambiguity in its overarching campaign strategy, placing a firm emphasis on the theme of social justice. Central to this narrative is the pressing need for a caste-based survey, a potent acknowledgment of the intricate caste dynamics that underpin the sociopolitical landscape of these three states. With the formidable presence of OBCs, EBCs, Dalits, and tribals, the party recognises the imperative of addressing their concerns and aspirations. Additionally, the Congress has championed the cause of women’s representation, advocating for the immediate implementation of women’s reservations by incorporating a special quota for OBC. These are robust policy proposals, laden with potential to reshape the political landscape, but they do not come without challenges. The Congress, as it navigates these critical states, grapples with multifarious challenges. It is in this intricate web of regional complexities, electoral dynamics, and competitive politics that Mallikarjun Kharge’s role assumes paramount importance. His ability to steer the party through these treacherous waters while staying true to its core principles will be a focal point of scrutiny in the days to come. Kharge’s actions and decisions must be observed with meticulous attention, for they hold the key to the Congress party’s prospects and the broader canvas of Indian politics. Balancer in chief Mallikarjun Kharge confronts a formidable adversary as he navigates the turbulent waters of state politics—the deep-seated factionalism entrenched within the Congress party. Across the landscape of these three states, the party’s internal strife and infighting have become defining features of its political fabric. Take, for instance, the intense showdown between Rajasthan’s Chief Minister, Ashok Gehlot, and the seasoned leader, Sachin Pilot. A similar saga of power struggles unfolds in Chhattisgarh, with Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel locking horns with his deputy, TS Singh Deo. In this arena, Kharge must exhibit the finesse of a tightrope walker. His mettle as a master balancer will be put to the test in the face of these intraparty battles. Kharge’s inaugural test of this nature unfolded in Karnataka, a state grappling with its own internal strife, a bitter feud between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar. After the Congress victory, Kharge assumed the mantle of a peacemaker, orchestrating a solution that bore fruit. He has also played the role of a conciliator in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, albeit temporarily. However, the true trial by fire awaits during the campaign and its aftermath. Kharge’s role as the chief balancer will be indispensable for the party’s fortunes. His ability to keep the warring factions in check, to mediate disputes, and to unite the disparate elements within Congress will ultimately define the party’s prospects. Should Kharge falter in this delicate juggling act, the Congress could face severe repercussions, both in terms of electoral outcomes and its overarching position in the political spectrum. He must master the art of maintaining a fragile equilibrium, a delicate tightrope walk, between the individual aspirations of party luminaries and the overarching goals of the Congress party. Can Kharge transcend these internecine clashes and choreograph a unified performance? Or will the cacophony of internal dissent drown out the symphony of his leadership, rendering his efforts to forge unity futile? Must win states The Congress party faces an arduous challenge that goes beyond the realm of electoral politics. It’s not just about winning. It’s about retaining. Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, two states where the Congress currently wields power, hold immense symbolic and strategic value. The party’s ability to hold onto these states is not merely a matter of political survival. It’s a litmus test of credibility. In Rajasthan, the Congress government has found itself under the scrutiny of critics and sceptics alike. Issues ranging from economic management to law and order and allegations of corruption have sullied its image. Kharge, as the party’s helmsman, is entrusted with the formidable task of confronting these challenges head-on. He must artfully navigate the treacherous waters of public perception, endeavouring to convince the people that the Congress government remains their best bet. To achieve this, Kharge must not just gloss over the problems but acknowledge them while simultaneously spotlighting the party’s achievements in office and its compelling vision for the future. Chhattisgarh, too, presents its own set of trials. The Congress government there grapples with issues like agrarian distress and unemployment, concerns that resonate deeply with the populace. Kharge must embark on a mission to address these pressing challenges, offering concrete solutions and a compelling narrative that resonates with the people. However, the stakes transcend these two states. Madhya Pradesh, where the Congress once held power before the dramatic defection of Jyotiraditya Scindia to the BJP, remains a prestige battleground. Kharge shoulders the responsibility of orchestrating a remarkable comeback. A victory in Madhya Pradesh under Kharge’s leadership would not only be a political win but a symbolic triumph for the 81-year-old Congress stalwart. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections loom large, casting a long shadow over these state contests. The Congress party cannot afford to falter. It must stand as a united front, showcasing a compelling narrative, a concrete action plan and the resilience to withstand challenges. For Kharge, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, but it’s also paved with opportunities to redefine the Congress’s standing and rejuvenate its appeal. Rahul Gandhi factor Beyond the immediate implications at the state level, these elections are a precursor to the general elections of 2024. These outcomes will determine Rahul Gandhi’s standing within the Congress party and the broader political landscape. Will the Congress use these state elections to enhance Rahul Gandhi’s reputation and credibility? Or will these contests expose chinks in the party’s armour, raising doubts about its capacity to deliver on the national stage? There is no doubt in people’s minds that Rahul Gandhi cannot win elections for his party. However, the Congress is filled with sycophants who still believe Gandhi can perform miracles. These individuals will attempt to portray the success of the Congress as a result of Gandhi’s leadership, charisma and the impact of the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Such a projection will drive the Congress back towards the narrative of Rahul versus Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which would be a disastrous repetition of an earlier error, and the opposition will not support such a position. This is why Kharge’s importance will matter in this instance, and he will have to make tough decisions while keeping the larger political picture in mind. Strength in unity A Congress victory in these states wouldn’t merely be a win; it would be a resounding statement of intent. It would fortify the Congress’ position within the opposition alliance, I.N.D.I.A, demonstrating its ability to lead from the front. However, to achieve this, Kharge and the Congress must garner the support of other opposition parties. These parties hold the keys to the potential unity of the opposition against the ruling party in the 2024 general elections. The stance and support of these parties during these state elections will serve as a litmus test of their commitment to a united front. Meanwhile, the looming presence of the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) adds a layer of complexity to the already complex political landscape. While AAP is ostensibly part of the larger opposition alliance, it is simultaneously a formidable adversary in these state elections. The Congress finds itself in the peculiar position of facing off against the AAP, even though they ostensibly belong to the I.N.D.I.A alliance. Any gain for AAP is a direct loss of Congress and not of the BJP. The challenge for Kharge lies in managing this paradoxical political scenario. Will he outmanoeuvre Kejriwal’s AAP, or will the Congress be caught in a crossfire of oppositional proportions? In conclusion, Mallikarjun Kharge’s leadership in the face of simultaneous state elections in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh is akin to a high-stakes tightrope walk. The Congress party’s fate hangs in the balance, as does Kharge’s stature as a unifying leader within the ranks. These elections are not just about securing regional victories; they are about setting the stage for the national arena. They are about asserting the Congress’ role in the opposition and shaping the narrative for the 2024 general elections. Kharge has his work cut out for him, and his performance in this intricate political ballet will resonate far beyond these state borders. The author teaches journalism at St. Xavier’s College (autonomous), Kolkata. He is a columnist and research scholar. He tweets at @sayantan_gh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the  Latest News,  Trending News,  Cricket News,  Bollywood News, India News and  Entertainment News here. Follow us on  Facebook,  Twitter and  Instagram.