Last year was significant for the BJP in many ways. The party won state after state, and the landslide victory in the Bihar elections at the end of the year has doubled the party's enthusiasm. Meanwhile, Congress's losses have raised questions about Rahul Gandhi within the party.
New Delhi: Elections are scheduled for this year in Kerala, Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry (a Union Territory). Political parties in these states face different dynamics and challenges in this new year’s electoral contest. Regardless of the outcome, the results will have no impact on national politics. Nevertheless, there are some things in these election results that people will be eagerly awaiting. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Bengal are three states where the lotus has never bloomed. The BJP is putting its full force in Bengal. A victory in any of these states would be significant. Opposition parties also face a significant challenge. Mamata Banerjee is concerned about Bengal, while the Left parties are concerned about Kerala. After a series of defeats, Rahul Gandhi faces a much bigger challenge.
The BJP’s biggest challenge in 2026 will be winning the West Bengal Assembly elections. Union Home Minister Amit Shah claimed on December 30 that the BJP will oust the Mamata Banerjee government from power by securing a two-thirds majority in the upcoming elections. The BJP’s chief election strategist attacked the ruling TMC, raising issues of corruption, misgovernance, and infiltration. In the last assembly elections in West Bengal, the BJP emerged as the main opposition party, significantly outpolling the Left and Congress, but political analysts believe the ruling TMC remains a dominant political force in the state.
Political analysts believe that both Tamil Nadu and Kerala remain a formidable challenge for the BJP. The BJP made its presence felt in Kerala with its success in the municipal elections and hopes to capitalize on this success in the upcoming assembly elections. It is also looking for a suitable ally in Tamil Nadu, currently ruled by the DMK, to expand its reach in the state. The Assam elections will test the BJP’s position in the Northeast, as it faces challenges from the Congress and regional parties.
These state elections truly pose a significant challenge for both the Congress and Rahul Gandhi. After a series of defeats, questions are being raised about Rahul Gandhi within the party. A section within the party now sees a ray of hope in Rahul Gandhi’s sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Rahul Gandhi also recognizes that he must re-establish his position as the face of the Congress. A victory in Kerala will strengthen Rahul Gandhi’s position.
The Assam elections are a test for the Congress, which lost its hold on the state more than a decade ago. The central leadership’s bet on Gaurav Gogoi will also be tested, as the party hopes he has the potential to follow in the footsteps of his late father, Tarun Gogoi.
Curated by: Pankaj Singh
About the Author
Pankaj Singh is an Assistant Editor at Navbharat Times Digital. He has been involved in journalism for over 18 years. He has extensive experience in current affairs, politics, and ground reporting. During this time, he has covered the Delhi Assembly elections, railways, and Lok Sabha elections, as well as political news.
Courtesy: Hindi News