The political equation of Congress has become quite jarring with Lok Sabha elections just ahead. Internally, Congress is grappling with infinite issues and by fielding the formidable players into the fray has somehow stirred the waters even further.
Two of the Rajya Sabha members, Digvijay Singh and KC Venugopal, contesting Lok Sabha elections is creating a situation of imbalance when it comes to Rajya Sabha. Moreover, now Deependra Hooda also wants to try his luck in the Lok Sabha. Congress needs at least 25 members for the post of Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha. Now if the party gives tickets to three Congress members Venugopal, Deependra Hooda and Digvijay Singh wins the Lok Sabha elections, then this number in Rajya Sabha will automatically reduce. It will become 25. If even a single seat is lost, Congress will forfeit its status as the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. Similar to its position in the Lok Sabha, Congress’s standing in the Rajya Sabha will mirror this outcome. Since 2014, Congress has maintained a stronghold with 55 seats in the Lok Sabha. Presently, the party holds 29 seats in the Rajya Sabha. However, with Dheeraj Sahu’s tenure from Jharkhand set to conclude in May, this number will diminish to 28.
The party’s fate hangs precariously on the brink of a miracle. As per all the latest opinion polls, the BJP appears poised to secure another resounding victory and form the government with an overwhelming majority. Given this bleak outlook, Congress’s challenges are only set to compound post-June 4.
Foremost among these challenges is the task of preserving the governments in the remaining three states, crucial as they are for securing Rajya Sabha seats in 2026. However, under the prevailing circumstances, even the existing Rajya Sabha members may find their positions compromised.
Internally, Congress is grappling with a multitude of issues. The party finds itself embroiled in dilemmas over several key seats, notably Rae Bareli and Amethi, which traditionally fall under the domain of the Gandhi family. Additionally, the high command is struggling with the contentious issue of ticket distribution.
In states like Delhi, despite securing three seats, discontent festers within the party owing to the considerable effort required to maintain these positions. Similarly, in neighboring Haryana, internal strife exacerbates the high command’s woes. Despite being competitive on only two seats in Haryana according to most polls, the situation appears grim for Congress. Of these seats, Rohtak and possibly Hisar seem particularly challenging, with Congress candidates seemingly at a disadvantage against the BJP.
The high command finds itself in a crisis, torn between conflicting factions. Recommendations from former Chief Minister Bhupendra Hooda clash with the preferences of the RSK group – comprising Randeep Singh Surjewala, Kumari Selja, and Kiran Choudhary. Numerous meetings have been convened to address these conflicts, but resolution remains elusive.
Central to this crisis is the question of whether to field Deependra Hooda from Rohtak. Deependra’s bid for the ticket is fueled by the impending end of his Rajya Sabha tenure in two years. Presently, the situation in Rohtak appears favorable for him, despite his father Bhupendra Hooda’s reluctance to contest. The uncertain political landscape post-Lok Sabha elections further complicates matters, with no guarantee of a Congress government’s return in Haryana or Deependra’s chances of securing a Rajya Sabha ticket in the future.
In light of these uncertainties, Deependra is resolute in his decision to contest from Rohtak. A victory would secure him a five-year tenure and strengthen Rahul’s team in the Lok Sabha. However, the high command seems to be in a deadlock, grappling with the implications of such a decision as the dynamics of the Lok Sabha seem poised to influence the Rajya Sabha as well.