Temporary setbacks: Kharge on Congress losing polls in 3 states
What's the story
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge thanked the people of Telangana for bringing the party to power on Sunday.
Calling the defeat in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan a "temporary setback," he expressed confidence that the party would "overcome" it.
"We will overcome temporary setbacks and prepare ourselves fully for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections along with the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) parties," he added.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The trends in the afternoon showed the BJP comfortably leading in three states, while the Congress was ahead in 63 out of the 119 seats in Telangana.
The results will likely set the tone for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, in which the BJP is facing the united opposition bloc.
Currently, the BJP is ruling in MP, while the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) is incumbent in Telangana. Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh are being ruled by the Congress.
Statement
Kharge accepts Congress's 'disappointing' performance in 3 states
Taking to X, Kharge wrote, "We will overcome temporary setbacks and prepare ourselves fully for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections along with the INDIA parties."
He also thanked the people of Telangana for the mandate as the Congress is set to unseat BRS in the state.
"I also thank all those who voted for us in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan," Kharge said.
However, he acknowledged that Congress's performance in these three states was "disappointing."
Twitter Post
Congress president's post on X
I thank the people of Telangana for the mandate we have received from them.
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) December 3, 2023
I also thank all those who voted for us in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Our performance in these three states have no doubt been disappointing, but with determination, we reaffirm our…
INDIA bloc
INDIA bloc's crucial meeting in Delhi on Wednesday
Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc is scheduled to meet on Wednesday (December 6).
The meeting will be held at Kharge's residence. This will be the first meeting of the alliance in almost three months.
Its goal is reportedly to devise a strategy to challenge the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls.
The meeting also comes amid reports of internal rifts in the bloc after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar accused the Congress of lacking preparation for the general election next year.
What Next?
INDIA bloc allegedly losing momentum, Nitish blamed Congress
Notably, the Janata Dal (United) chief reportedly criticized the Congress party for the INDIA bloc allegedly losing its momentum.
He claimed that the grand old party appeared more focused on assembly elections in five states than on the coalition's goals.
The upcoming meeting offers a chance for alliance members to regroup and discuss tactics to fortify their stance against the BJP.