The Congress party's dismal performance in the Haryana Assembly election has drawn sharp criticism from its allies, with many expressing disappointment over the party's failure to live up to exit poll predictions. Uddhav Thackeray's faction of the Shiv Sena has been particularly vocal, using its mouthpiece, Saamana, to lambast the Congress for its inability to accommodate coalition partners like the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and for failing to control local dissent.
The editorial noted that the Congress had managed to turn what should have been a winning situation into a defeat. It lamented the lack of effective alliances, which had previously bolstered the anti-BJP coalition's success in the April-June Lok Sabha elections. Sanjay Raut, the Sena's No. 2 and a close associate of Thackeray, highlighted that overconfidence among Congress leaders and the absence of the INDIA coalition in Haryana significantly contributed to the party's poor showing.
Congress leaders, particularly Bhupinder Singh Hooda, have faced scrutiny for their internal politics, which may have undermined the party's efforts. Hooda’s reluctance to collaborate with fellow aspirant Kumari Selja was seen as detrimental, with the Saamana questioning whether his actions "sank the boat" for the Congress. The rivalry between Hooda and Selja has been identified as a critical factor in the party's unexpected decline.
Despite the setbacks, Sena leaders maintained that the results should not jeopardize alliances in Maharashtra, though they warned the Congress to learn from these outcomes. Raut cautioned that no party should act as the "bigger brother" in alliances, a thinly veiled critique of Congress's perceived overreach.
In the context of the upcoming Maharashtra elections, the editorial emphasized the need for Congress to refocus on grassroots strategies, particularly in light of the BJP's strong organizational presence. The Shiv Sena remains optimistic, asserting that the public sentiment in Maharashtra is against Prime Minister Modi and his party.
Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress has also voiced concerns over the Congress's attitude toward seat-sharing, criticizing its "arrogance" in negotiations. As Congress reflects on its failures in Haryana, the party must reassess its approach to coalition politics, particularly as it faces challenges in other states. With the BJP winning 48 of 90 seats in Haryana and Congress relegated to opposition, the road ahead looks challenging for the party.
