NIN365 Desk, Kolkata : Once again, the Congress finds itself at a crossroads, reeling from successive electoral defeats. As the political landscape shifts, the spotlight turns to the seasoned strategist, Sunil Kanugolu, who orchestrated a remarkable victory for Congress in Karnataka in 2023 and later in Telangana. His adept electioneering skills have been pivotal in securing wins in multiple states.
Before his triumphs, Kanugolu was a key member of Congress’ ‘Task Force 2024′. However, insiders now reveal that his focus for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections will not be nationwide. Instead, he has been entrusted with the responsibility of steering Congress to success in the legislative elections of Haryana and Maharashtra. Kanugolu is actively involved in crafting the party’s campaign strategies in these two states, where Congress already has a presence.
Furthermore, Kanugolu is set to extend his expertise to assist Congress-led governments in Karnataka and Telangana. As the adviser to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and a supporter of the Congress government in Telangana, Kanugolu aims to reinforce the party’s position in these states.
Contrary to Congress’ earlier plan to include him in the ‘Task Force 2024’, recent reports suggest that Kanugolu will not be directly involved in the national campaign. Instead, he will concentrate on the assembly elections in Haryana and Maharashtra. His role will also extend to aiding Congress in these states and supporting the party’s governments in other Congress-ruled states.
The Congress party contends that its fortunes have dwindled considerably in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Punjab, attributing the setbacks to Kanugolu’s departure from active politics. However, the party believes that his prowess will be instrumental in the forthcoming elections in Haryana and Maharashtra.
The upcoming Lok Sabha elections in April-May hold significant importance. The Modi-led government is optimistic about returning to power for a third consecutive term, and the BJP has formed alliances with various regional and national parties. Congress, post its alliance formation – ‘India Gathbandhan’, is looking to consolidate opposition support. Analysts emphasize that Kanugolu’s absence from the Lok Sabha campaign could be detrimental to Congress.
Despite Congress’ internal optimism, not having Kanugolu at the forefront of the Lok Sabha campaign is perceived as a significant setback. The party’s leaders acknowledge that winning key states like Haryana and Maharashtra is crucial, but they also recognize the importance of national elections. As Congress faces challenges from a resurgent BJP in multiple states, analysts argue that sidelining Kanugolu in the national campaign may not be a wise strategic move.
Kanugolu, who has proven his electoral prowess in Karnataka, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh, has been actively involved in Congress’ strategies in recent years. However, his interactions with leaders like Kamal Nath, Digvijaya Singh, and Ashok Gehlot haven’t translated into significant political support.
In Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, where Congress had a strong presence, the party faced setbacks. With only three states under Congress’ rule out of the twelve states where BJP is in power, the upcoming 2024 elections present a critical opportunity for Congress to regain political ground. Consequently, focusing on states like Haryana and Maharashtra may limit the party’s national impact.
The dynamics of the Lok Sabha elections have become more intricate, especially with the formation of alliances and negotiations with various regional parties. Kanugolu’s expertise in understanding the big picture, coupled with his campaign and electioneering skills, could have been instrumental for Congress.
In conclusion, the decision to keep Kanugolu away from the national campaign raises questions about Congress’ strategy. While concentrating on state elections is crucial, neglecting the larger canvas of national politics might prove to be a costly omission for the party. As the political landscape evolves, Congress faces the challenge of striking the right balance and leveraging Kanugolu’s capabilities for both state and national battles.
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