In virtually every state going to polls, Congress is either part of a ‘grand alliance’ or a minor ally of a dominant regional force, a feature that illustrates the weakened political muscle of the party nationally.
The grand old party settling with DMK for 25 seats in Tamil Nadu marks a continuing diminution of Congress. Its failure to post a decent performance after securing 74 seats from RJD in the 2020 Bihar polls has had a debilitating effect on its perception among regional parties.
The five election-bound states, representing a wide east south geographical arc, attest to the shrinking Congress appeal among voters and allies alike, as evidenced by the loss in bargaining power.