Congress Shifts to Damage Control After Rajya Sabha Setback, Calls for Alliance Unity

Ranchi: Just days after suffering a shock defeat in the Jharkhand Rajya Sabha election, the Congress has softened its tone and is now focused on preserving the ruling alliance. After senior Congress leaders and ministers initially exchanged sharp remarks over the unexpected loss, the party on Saturday urged coalition partners to maintain unity and avoid public confrontation.

Addressing a press conference at the Congress Bhavan, party leaders described the defeat as surprising, particularly since the Mahagathbandhan had claimed the support of 56 MLAs, a number considered sufficient to ensure the victory of both alliance candidates. Congress alleged that the outcome raised serious concerns about possible cross-voting within the alliance and demanded a thorough review of the election.

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The party blamed what it described as the influence of the BJP's "money power" for the setback, while insisting that the ruling coalition remains intact. Congress leaders said the party's top leadership is in constant touch with senior leaders of its alliance partners and is closely analysing the circumstances that led to the defeat. They also appealed to coalition members to refrain from making public accusations against one another.

Questions Over the Numbers

Congress maintained that all of its legislators voted loyally for party candidate Pranav Jha, making the defeat difficult to explain. "When the alliance had the support of 56 MLAs, the loss naturally raises serious questions," party leaders said, adding that the BJP was attempting to create divisions within the Mahagathbandhan for political gain.

State Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore reaffirmed that the alliance remains united despite the setback. Stressing that the coalition would endure every challenge, he said the partners would not allow any threat to its existence. He also described recent remarks by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) as inappropriate and urged all alliance members to avoid unnecessary statements until the election outcome is reviewed objectively.

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Chief Minister to Review Defeat

Congress leaders dismissed suggestions that the BJP's Rajya Sabha victory signalled a larger political shift in Jharkhand. They argued that winning one Rajya Sabha seat should not be interpreted as a takeover of the state's political landscape, asserting that the Mahagathbandhan continues to enjoy broad political support.

The party again alleged that the BJP had relied on financial influence during the election, resulting in what it termed a betrayal of the alliance's candidate. Congress said Chief Minister Hemant Soren had taken serious note of the unexpected defeat and would conduct a comprehensive review of the entire episode. According to alliance leaders, the incident has underscored the need for greater coordination and introspection among coalition partners to safeguard their political future.

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