Amid INDIA 'janbandhan', lingering worries for Congress

 

Amid INDIA 'janbandhan', lingering worries for Congress

A Samajwadi ‘Hand’ The Congress got a major boost in Uttar Pradesh as its new ally and regional power, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav joined Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Agra on Sunday. The Congress responded by terming this as the INDIA "janbandhan", saying the alliance is locked, loaded and ready to dispel the "darkness of the anyay kaal", countering PM Modi’s election push with his “Amri Kaal” slogan. The coming together of Yadav and Gandhi put days of uncertainty on the former's participation in the yatra to an end. Why a boost This follows key seat-sharing deals that the Congress has recently finalised for the INDIA bloc to take on the BJP-led NDA in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The Congress and AAP sealed a seat-sharing deal on Saturday for Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, Gujarat, Goa and Haryana, though they are contesting separately in Punjab. The deals with AAP and SP mean that the Congress has finalised its seat adjustments for 125 constituencies with INDIA bloc constituents. Read more here But challenges remain The Congress still has to work out seat-sharing deals for the INDIA bloc in the key states of Maharashtra and West Bengal — collectively holding 90 LS seats. Despite efforts, the Congress struggles to reach an understanding with TMC in Bengal, where CM Mamata Banerjee refused to join the yatra in January. Maharashtra woes Despite Gandhi’s talks with Uddhav Thackeray last week, discussions in Maharashtra's Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance have not yet closed over seat distribution, especially in Mumbai. The Congress faces internal setbacks with the exit of senior leaders like Milind Deora, Ashok Chavan, and Baba Siddique. Despite reassurances from Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole, challenges persist in ensuring smooth coordination within the alliance. And in Gujarat The Congress-AAP seat distribution in Gujarat may see a rebellion in Congress in Bharuch, a traditional stronghold of the late Ahmed Patel. Patel’s son Faisal Ahmed Patel may contest the LS polls here against the AAP candidate.