The Congress Party has geared up for the crucial assembly poll results in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, scheduled to be declared on Saturday. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday appointed senior leaders as observers for both states to oversee the outcome and strategize accordingly.
For Maharashtra, where voting in 288 constituencies took place on November 20, Kharge has deputed Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, and senior leader G Parameshwara as observers. In Jharkhand, which saw voting in two phases on November 13 and 20, the appointed observers are Tariq Anwar, Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, and Krishna Allavuru.
Exit polls have painted a mixed picture for both states. While many surveys project a win for the BJP-led alliances, others suggest a tightly contested battle, especially in Maharashtra, between the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). The Mahayuti includes the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, while the MVA comprises Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, and Sharad Pawar-led NCP.
In Jharkhand, the contest has been described as similarly close, with a slight edge predicted for the opposition alliance in some polls. The majority mark stands at 145 in Maharashtra’s 288-member assembly and 41 in Jharkhand’s 81-member assembly.
Speaking to reporters, Mallikarjun Kharge refrained from making any bold predictions, stating, “We have expectations (of winning). We have worked. Let’s see what happens tomorrow. Whatever I say now, it will be speculation.”
As the counting day approaches, all eyes are on the Congress and its ability to challenge the ruling BJP alliances in these critical states. The results will significantly impact the political equations leading into the 2024 general elections.
