The stark contrast is visible to all. Both the BJP and Congress want to put their best foot forward for the Lok Sabha polls. The saffron party is likely to begin announcing its candidates for the big polls by the end of the month and is planning to make many Rajya Sabha MPs contest the key 2024 elections. The Congress too has similar plans. However, the difference is that there are very few takers for the scheme.
As new names and in-charges for states were announced in the Congress, the plan was to ensure that they could infuse life in a party which seems to have snapped, especially with poor state poll results. Congress hopes that largely, the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra would help in this, with Rahul Gandhi travelling through the areas where the Grand Old Party is weak and workers are dispirited.
Apart from this, there is another plan that many seniors, who may have a good base and high profile, can be asked to contest for Lok Sabha. Many among the younger lot may be also told to do so. However, the hitch is that not many leaders are keen.
Sources say former chief ministers like Bhupesh Baghel, TS Singh Deo, and Ashok Gehlot are not keen to take the plunge.
In states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha, for instance, the problem is to find candidates. Like in UP, while Congress has staked claimed on at least 10 seats during seat-sharing talks, it may find it difficult to find anyone beyond say Prayagraj, Amethi, and Rae Bareli.
Congress has also said that on at least 290 seats, it is in a straight fight with the BJP and it should be given the chance to fight alone. This is, however, easier said than done. For instance, in Odisha, where the organisation is in shambles, it may not even find candidates who think they can win.
This is an embarrassing situation for the Grand Old Party and unfortunately, does not make it look battle-ready.
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