With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections looming on the horizon, the Congress party is actively engaged in extensive deliberations regarding seat-sharing arrangements, particularly in the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Sources reveal that the venerable party has articulated ambitious proposals tailored for each state, strategically aiming for substantial representation in the imminent electoral battle. In Uttar Pradesh, the Congress is formulating a robust electoral strategy by advocating for 40 out of the 80 Lok Sabha seats. In Bihar, the party has set its sights on an ambitious objective of contesting 10 to 12 seats in a state with 40 Lok Sabha constituencies.
Furthermore, it has been disclosed that Congress is meticulously crafting a comprehensive list of constituencies where it perceives a robust and competitive position. This roster, outlining the targeted 40 seats in Uttar Pradesh, is currently in the preparatory stages and is anticipated to be formally presented for consideration during a scheduled Congress meeting on Thursday.
The party contends that in previous Lok Sabha polls, it has garnered substantial support in Uttar Pradesh. Drawing parallels with historical alliances, where the Samajwadi Party allocated a significant share to the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Congress is earnestly striving to secure a noteworthy share of seats in the upcoming elections, as per sources.
The specific constituencies being contemplated by the Congress in Uttar Pradesh include Amroha, Saharanpur, Lakhimpur Khiri, Bijnor, Moradabad, Lucknow, Raebareli, Amethi, Barabanki, and others. The party aims to capitalize on its presence in areas with a substantial minority voter base, coincidentally aligning with regions favorable for the Samajwadi Party.
Similarly, in Bihar, Congress is harboring an ambitious target of contesting 10 to 12 seats out of the state's 40 Lok Sabha constituencies. The earmarked seats in Bihar include Katihar, Kishanganj, Purnia/Katihar (either one), Aurangabad, Bhagalpur, Buxar, Sasaram, Motihari/Valmikinagar (either one), Nawada, Patna, and others.
A pivotal Congress meeting is scheduled for Thursday, where the top leadership, state presidents, in-charges, and general secretaries will engage in a crucial brainstorming session. Presided over by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, the meeting will witness the presence of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. The alliance committee has already submitted its report, proposing that Congress contest around 291 seats, leaving the rest for alliance partners in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
This gathering marks the inaugural meeting of newly appointed general secretaries and state in-charges following Kharge's reshuffle in December. The agenda encompasses preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and the "Bharat Nyay Yatra" from Manipur to Maharashtra.
