Congress confronts multiple challenges across several states. A power struggle over the Karnataka chief minister position pits Chief Minister Siddaramaiah against Deputy CM DK Shivakumar. Meanwhile, former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah resigns amid claims of humiliation and joins the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of critical elections, sparking concerns about the party’s leadership management.
Past Five Years of Setbacks
Over the last five years, Congress records poor showings in state elections alongside frequent internal disagreements under Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha. The party struggles to resolve differences, prompting senior leaders to defect.
Karnataka Chief Minister Tussle
The ongoing discord between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar highlights deep factionalism. Despite interventions, including Rahul Gandhi’s meeting with Shivakumar, tensions persist with no resolution in sight. Reports indicate the rebellion continues unabated.
Conflicts Across Other States
Himachal Pradesh
Factions led by Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Pratibha Singh clashed over the state president post in 2025. The party dissolved its state unit, prompting talks of appointing one president and four working presidents to balance power.
Delhi and NCR
After 15 years out of power, Congress lacks a unified front. Internal divisions hinder revival efforts.
Haryana
In 2024, internal rivalries squandered a prime chance to unseat the BJP government.
Uttar Pradesh
The state unit dissolved in 2024, leaving the party with minimal presence.
Assam
Borah cites insult and neglect by top leaders as reasons for his exit before key polls.
West Bengal
Trinamool Congress sidelines Congress, reducing it to the fringes in poll-bound regions.
Jharkhand
The 2025 alliance with Jharkhand Mukti Morcha soured, with accusations of betrayal from partners.
Bihar
Despite a strong 2025 campaign alongside Rashtriya Janata Dal, Congress emerges as a drag on allies as incumbents prevail.
Odisha, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu
Key leader exits weaken the Odisha PCC. Gujarat sees no challenge to BJP’s long dominance. Maharashtra loses ground from veteran departures. Tamil Nadu braces for a tough electoral fight involving BJP.
These persistent rifts and electoral losses widen internal divides, eroding trust among allies ahead of upcoming state polls.
