Congress's Strategic Missteps: A Tale of Factionalism and Overconfidence

The Congress party's overconfidence, reliance on factionalism, and dependence on the Jat community contributed to its defeat in Haryana's assembly elections. Despite a vote share close to the BJP, internal disputes and poor narrative strategies weakened its position. Meanwhile, its alliance victory in Jammu and Kashmir offered slight consolation.

The Congress party faced a significant setback in the Haryana assembly elections, attributed largely to internal factionalism and an overconfidence rooted in the party's previous gains. Party insiders reflect on how these factors, coupled with an over-reliance on the Jat community, led to their downfall despite a sizable vote share.

In contrast, the Congress-National Conference alliance emerged victorious in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a minor victory amidst broader electoral disappointments. The party's internal disharmony and strategic miscalculations are cited as key reasons for their failure to capitalize on BJP's anti-incumbency.

Factionalism underscored by the discord between key leaders, and failure to secure broader community support, undermined the Congress's electoral efforts. Meanwhile, BJP's social engineering approach, despite facing its own dissent, proved effective, ensuring their governance for a third term in Haryana.

(With inputs from agencies.)