Lok Sabha Result 2024: The Congress has come a long way from 52 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections to 99 seats (as of now) in 2024. “Some defeats are more important than victories,” a top Congress leader stated, even as the party prepares to spend an additional five years in the Opposition benches. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s claim of “400 paar” has been thoroughly demolished by the Congress and its allies, undermining Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s electoral invincibility and making the INDIA alliance a formidable force. But the question arises that what role did Rahul Gandhi‘s “Bharat Jodo Yatra” play in this. Let’s check
Resonating with the People
The Congress party and its coalition, the I.N.D.I.A bloc, stand out as a powerful force despite the Bharatiya Janata Party‘s deliberate attempts to win over people in the region. The Bharath Jodo Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi is identified as a major contributor to this revival. These Yatras resonate powerfully with people as they represent a return to grassroots politics as well as a retreat from virtual areas.
The influence of these Yatras is becoming more and more apparent as the polls progress. They have strengthened the opposition alliance’s position in the South and revitalized the Congress party’s representation there as well. Rahul Gandhi’s calculated strategy of using these Yatras to reach out to the masses has been a major factor in this revival.
Congress’ Electoral History
Undoubtedly, this will mark the second instance in which the Congress has lost three consecutive Lok Sabha elections. Three national polls were lost by the Congress in 1996, 1998, and 1999. However, the opposition group’s overall performance is outclassed by the Congress-led INDIA group’s success in reducing the BJP to fewer than 250 seats and keeping the NDA to 297 seats (as of now), despite the Prime Minister’s bold claims of 370 seats for the BJP and 400 for the NDA.
As a much-needed acknowledgement of the power of the main opposition party, the Congress is prepared to take over as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Additionally, the Congress will solidify its position as the INDIA bloc’s leader with 98 seats.
Formation of New Alliances
In addition to restoring the party’s reputation, Rahul Gandhi’s Yatra and the Congress’s efforts to form new alliances have sent a strong message of inclusivity and unity. These programs emphasize the strength of group action in creating a more coherent and progressive political landscap, serving as a resolute response to polarizing politics.
Resurgence of Opposition in 2024
Uttar Pradesh has eighty parliamentary constituencies and has been ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) since 2017. With over 240 million residents, it is the most populous state in India and will ultimately choose who will rule in New Delhi. Additionally, Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Congress, and Modi are running for office from separate state constituencies.
The BJP alone took home 62 of the 64 seats that the NDA won in 2019. The Samajwadi Party (SP) won five seats, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) won ten, and the Congress won just one. But in 2024 outcomes looks very different. The Samajwadi Party has helped the INDIA Bloc resurrect in Uttar Pradesh, and the Congress has made considerable gains there, taking the lead in 34 seats. In the meantime, the BJP-led NDA is leading in 35 seats.