Maharashtra may have its say on Cong in UP, Bihar

Congress’ good showing in bypolls — in J-K, Punjab, Delhi, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Nagaland and Assam — has boosted its morale.

From the initial feedback, it appears that Muslims, Dalits, tribals and other minorities have voted for the combine in Maharashtra. This means the party’s old constituency could be returning to its fold.

It goes without saying that Maharashtra would strengthen Sonia Gandhi’s image as a vote-puller for the party. This was the first time she was campaigning after declining the PM’s post in May. Now, with a tighter grip on party affairs, Sonia may undertake an overhaul of the AICC and PCCs in preparation for elections in Haryana, Bihar, Jharkhand.

The victory would also go to stabilise Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and put a seal of approval on his government.

The Maharashtra outcome may also subtly alter the Congress balance with its partners. For all the problems it has faced from the Left, an alliance with it has reinforced the pro-poor and pro-minority image of the Congress, which has helped the return of the weaker sections to its fold.

It will not be possible for the party to go against Laloo Prasad Yadav in the Bihar Assembly elections early next year, as he plays a pivotal role in the UPA Government. But the Congress can be expected to step up its campaign in Uttar Pradesh. Mulayam would be the one most-affected by the upswing in the Congress fortunes. So far, he has tried to co-opt the Congress leadership in UP. This, may no longer be so easy.