Congress makes amends for Goa and Manipur by denying BJP in Karnataka

After a long time, Congress has a reason to smile. After its shock defeat in Karnataka elections, Congress has been able to make a political turnaround. The message is loud and clear that it can fight back and defeat Modi-Shah combine which seemed invincible. Karnataka also saw the same nail biting suspense which was witnessed during Ahmad Patel’s election to Rajya Sabha last year.

After Manipur, Goa and Meghalaya, Congress came under intense criticism for not been able to form government. Congress emerged as the single largest party in both Manipur and Goa but delayed decision resulting in BJP forming the government in both states. This time around Congress had sent senior leadership to Bengaluru in case they fell short of numbers.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi also used this opportunity to launch a blistering attack on BJP and RSS. He started his press conference by accusing BJP legislators of leaving the assembly before national anthem was played out. He said,” This how BJP respects our national anthem.” He said that both BJP-RSS are trying to subvert government institutions throughout country. He did not limit his attack on BJP. He also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said,” Not only Narendra Modi promotes corruption but he is corruption.”  In a short press conference held by Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi, he said that BJP’s stand on corruption has been exposed and Congress will not allow BJP to subvert democratic institutions.

What added to BJP’s misery were four stings done by Congress MLAs who actively recorded the conversation where BJP leaders were asking Congress MLAs to cross the fence. BJP despite being the single largest party could not form the government. Chief Minister Yeddyurappa resigned after reading a 12 page long emotional speech. BJP continues to be the largest party and stability in the state will entirely depend on JD(S) ability to keep its stock together. Congress on the other hand will also have to be careful lest BJP gains sympathy to leverage it in general elections next year.