Congress is set to be diminished in its ability to dictate terms and seek a better seat-sharing formula in states where regional parties have primacy, while its own claim of revival to deliver seats from heartland states would be rebuffed by partners.It may also come under pressure to relinquish the leadership role, which it had come to assume after its win in Karnataka.
State Assembly poll results 2023: What the results mean for Congress and India alliance
This sets up the INDIA bloc for animated discussions this week. Yet a chastened Congress would not be bad news for many allies like SP, JD(U), TMC and NCP. They will relish Congress’ misery and seek to nudge it to a line of their liking. It would be interesting to see how TMC pushes Congress on its alliance with CPM in Bengal. While Congress has stonewalled calls by AAP for a deal in Delhi and Punjab, how it reacts now is to be seen.
The changed situation is likely to speed up seat-sharing talks and force their early culmination among INDIA bloc partners.
The allies had sought a seat-sharing deal by September 30, according to a member of the alliance. But Congress delayed talks as it was confident of its chances in the five states, especially in straight fights with BJP in MP and Chhattisgarh. It had felt a good show would give it leverage to demand a better share in Bihar, UP and Maharashtra. Such expectations are sure to come apart now. The resentment against the Congress attitude was evident when, on Sunday, ‘s results, JD(U) spokesperson K C Tyagi said, “Congress never invited or consulted any of its allies though socialist parties have historically had a presence in these states.”