The INDIA bloc, formed ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to counter the BJP, initially saw regional parties reluctant to accept Congress leadership. Some even advocated for a non-BJP, non-Congress front. However, by 2026, after a series of electoral defeats, regional players have lost influence, leaving Congress with little challenge to its leadership within the alliance. Ironically, the BJP's victories facilitated this shift.
Decline of Regional Satraps
Three key regional leaders—Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee, and MK Stalin—have lost power. The BJP defeated Kejriwal in Delhi and Mamata in West Bengal, while Stalin was ousted by actor-politician Vijay in Tamil Nadu. This has reshaped the opposition landscape.
Congress vs Regional Parties: A Historical Friction
The tension between Congress and regional parties has been a defining feature of the INDIA bloc. Critics often described the bloc as a grouping of disparate parties united only by opposition to the BJP. The friction stemmed from two factors: Congress's takeover of leadership and historical political rivalries.
Did Congress 'Hijack' Leadership?
Regional parties, led by Nitish Kumar, laid the groundwork for the coalition. However, Congress quickly assumed control. The first meeting in Patna (June 2023) was led by Nitish, but the second in Bengaluru was dominated by Congress. This led to a game of one-upmanship, with differences over decisions and seat-sharing emerging regularly.
Historical Rivalries
Congress was forced to ally with long-time rivals like AAP in Delhi, RJD in Bihar, and DMK in Tamil Nadu. In Delhi, AAP's rise ended Congress's 15-year rule. In Bihar, Lalu Prasad's 1990 victory pushed Congress to the fringes. In Tamil Nadu, the DMK rejected Congress's power-sharing plea. These historical tensions persisted within the alliance.
Loss of Regional Parties: A Gain for Congress?
Logically, the decline of regional parties should benefit Congress. However, reclaiming lost ground has been difficult. In Odisha, BJD's defeat by BJP pushed Congress to third place. Congress may even ally with BJD to counter BJP. In Delhi, Congress's independent contest reportedly helped BJP defeat AAP, but this did not translate into gains for Congress.
Why Isn't Congress Celebrating?
Despite regional losses, Congress leaders like Rahul Gandhi have urged caution. After Mamata's defeat, Rahul stated on X: "Some in Congress, and others, are gloating about TMC's loss. They need to understand this clearly - the theft of Assam and Bengal's mandate is a big step forward by the BJP in its mission to destroy Indian democracy." Mamata, too, has called for unity, saying she will strengthen the INDIA bloc. With both Congress and regional parties battered by BJP, the reset button may be pressed again.
