Delhi Elections 2025: Can Congress come out of comatose state?

The Congress party, once a dominant political force in Delhi, has struggled to regain its influence following significant defeats in the 2015 and 2020 Assembly elections. In both instances, the party failed to secure a single seat, reducing its presence in the city. However, with discontent growing towards the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP),the Congress is now seeking to make a comeback. But can it reclaim its dominance, or has it lost its grip on Delhi’s political landscape for good?

Congress’s decline, AAP’s rise

The political shift in Delhi began in 2013 when AAP emerged as a strong competitor, winning 28 seats and relegating the Congress to just eight. By 2015 and 2020, the Congress failed to secure any representation in the Delhi Assembly, while AAP, under Arvind Kejriwal, solidified its position as the dominant force. Despite these setbacks, the Congress believes AAP’s growing failures provide an opportunity for revival.

New strategy for revival

The Congress is trying to reconnect with voters through welfare promises and criticism of AAP’s governance. The party’s “guarantees” campaign includes the introduction of the Pyaari Didi Yojana, offering Rs 2,500 per month to eligible women in Delhi. This move targets women voters, drawing inspiration from successful schemes in other states.

In addition, the Congress is positioning itself as the challenger on issues like pollution, sanitation, and the state of the Yamuna River -- areas where AAP has been criticised for not delivering. Congress leaders argue that these neglected issues need urgent attention to improve Delhi’s quality of life.

Internal challenges, shifting allegiances

To strengthen its position, the Congress has brought in former AAP leaders, including Haji Mohammad Ishraq and Rajendra Pal Gautam, hoping their local appeal can help boost its chances in key constituencies. However, the Congress faces its own internal challenges, with defections such as Arvinder Singh Lovely and Raj Kumar Chauhan joining other parties. These departures have raised doubts about the Congress’s ability to rebuild its base effectively.

Rebuilding trust with key voters

A crucial part of the Congress’s strategy is regaining the trust of Dalit and Muslim voters -- communities that have traditionally supported the party. Recently, AAP has made considerable inroads with these groups, particularly in the 12 reserved constituencies, where the Dalit voters make up a large portion of the electorate. However, following the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots, AAP’s popularity among these voters appears to be waning, presenting the Congress with an opportunity to win them back.

Political landscape: A potential three-way contest

For years, the Delhi elections were largely a two-way contest between AAP and the BJP. However, the Congress’s renewed focus could turn the upcoming election into a three-way race. By positioning itself as an alternative to AAP’s governance, Congress aims to capitalise on anti-incumbency sentiment. If successful in weakening AAP’s hold over key constituencies, particularly those with significant Dalit and minority populations, Congress could fragment the vote, possibly benefitting the BJP.

Can Congress become a real contender?

The upcoming Delhi Assembly elections will be a key test for the Congress. With a focus on rejuvenating its base and challenging AAP on critical issues, the Congress has shown its determination to regain relevance. However, whether it can make a significant impact remains uncertain. If the Congress succeeds in winning back key voters, it could once again become a serious contender. Otherwise, it may continue to struggle to regain influence in Delhi’s complex political scene.