By A Staff Reporter : Senior Congress leader Harish Rawat addressed the media in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, discussing the party's unexpected defeat in the Haryana elections. He described the loss as both a "challenge" and a "shock" for Congress, noting that the party had strong support from the people, who wanted to see Congress win.
Rawat attributed the BJP's success to its strategy of caste-based polarization, stating, "BJP succeeded in polarizing the party on the basis of caste." He elaborated that this approach is a recurring tactic for the BJP, which often creates divisions between communities, specifically Hindus and Muslims, to consolidate votes. "They can't do politics without polarization," he remarked, highlighting the detrimental effects of such strategies on national unity.
In light of the electoral outcome, Rawat mentioned that a review meeting was convened to gather insights from party workers involved in the Haryana elections. He clarified that comments made by Rahul Gandhi were not merely personal opinions but served as guidance for the party moving forward.
Emphasizing the need for unity and focus on the party's goals, Rawat stated, "I won't say that people are in politics selflessly, but you should prioritize the party's interest and national interest." His remarks underscore the challenges Congress faces in re-establishing itself in the competitive political landscape of Haryana and beyond, as the party aims to overcome internal divisions and external pressures.