Amidst the electoral fervor, the Congress beams with optimism regarding potential gains for the INDIA bloc in significant states such as Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat, following the culmination of the third phase of the Lok Sabha election on May 7.
In Karnataka, the Congress engages in a direct battle with the BJP, while forming alliances with Shiv Sena UBT and NCP-SP in Maharashtra, SP in Uttar Pradesh, and AAP in Gujarat. Notably, 25 out of 26 seats in Gujarat went to the polls on May 7, with the BJP previously securing victory in Surat uncontested, amid alleged exclusion of Congress and other contenders from the race.
Insiders reveal that the Congress anticipates substantial gains in approximately 80 out of the 93 seats traditionally held by the saffron party. Initial reports suggest significant advancements for the opposition coalition in these regions. Karnataka and Maharashtra are predicted to witness the saffron party losing around 25 seats collectively, according to sources.
In 2019, the BJP clinched 25 out of 28 seats in Karnataka and 23 out of 48 seats in Maharashtra. Phase 3 was marked by various issues, including the controversy surrounding JD-S MP Prajwal Revanna in Karnataka, discontent among the Rajput community over remarks made by Union Minister Parshottam Rupala in Gujarat, and the BJP’s alleged manipulation leading to the ousting of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra in 2022, followed by rising unemployment and inflation in Uttar Pradesh.
“The BJP’s dominance in Gujarat during 2019 is unlikely to repeat. The INDIA alliance is poised to secure numerous seats in the state,” asserted AICC secretary BM Sandeep Kumar.
Insiders highlight positive prospects for the opposition in Gujarat, particularly in constituencies like Anand, Rajkot, Banaskantha, Valsad, Bharuch, and Jamnagar. Sunita Kejriwal, wife of detained Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, campaigned in Bharuch and Bhavnagar, alleging political targeting against her husband by the Centre.
In Maharashtra, public sympathy towards leaders like Sharad Pawar of NCP-SP and Uddhav Thackeray of Shiv Sena UBT favors the INDIA bloc.
“The BJP’s defection of Shiv Sena and NCP lawmakers notwithstanding, the leaders retained public support. Additionally, the collaborative efforts, joint campaigning, and resonance of our core issues have resonated with the people. The alliance has garnered significant traction over the past three phases,” remarked AICC secretary Asish Dua.
High unemployment and caste-based consolidation have reportedly propelled the Congress-SP alliance’s progress across Uttar Pradesh’s past three phases. In 2019, the BJP secured 62 out of 80 seats in the state.
“We’re pleased with the alliance’s performance thus far. We anticipate sustaining momentum in phase 4, where the opposition holds a strategic advantage on the ground. The people have grasped our struggle to safeguard democracy. I foresee minimal gains for the BJP,” concluded AICC functionary Vivek Bansal.