Congress Party Adopts Strategy for 2029 Elections

The Congress party, buoyed by its recent performance in the June 2024 Parliamentary polls, is adopting a strategy of 'shrinking to grow' ahead of the 2029 general elections. This approach involves contesting fewer seats in upcoming Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand to weaken the dominant Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and challenge the perception of its invincibility. In Maharashtra, Congress is contesting 60 fewer seats than in 2019, despite a strong showing in earlier elections. Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh, Congress is opting out of by-elections, focusing instead on supporting its allies, particularly the Samajwadi Party (SP), which has chosen not to form alliances with others. In a contrasting political landscape, centrist Republicans like Rep. Don Bacon are distancing themselves from Trump while needing his support to compete effectively in battleground races. Additionally, various legislative bills, including those enhancing healthcare access and consumer rights, are making their way through state legislatures, signaling ongoing bipartisan efforts amid prevailing political divisions.