For Congress, the upcoming elections in the five states present both an opportunity and a challenge. A good show in this round could help the party build on its recent victories in Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh to consolidate its position as the main challenger to BJP and as the pivot of the opposition INDIA bloc in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
These elections will also test Congress’ ability to tide over the incumbency burdens in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, where it is in power currently, and to breach the resistance of the regional parties in Telangana and Mizoram, BRS, and MNF.
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With CWC announcing on Monday that it would conduct a nationwide caste census if voted to power in 2024, the issue is set to play a dominant role in the upcoming elections. For Congress, just as for BJP, the crucial importance of this round is a direct fight between the two national parties in the heartland states.
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