In a recent column in the Shiv Sena’s mouthpiece ‘Saamana,’ party leader Sanjay Raut expressed concerns about the Congress party facing increased difficulties in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Raut emphasized that these challenges could intensify if there are individuals around the Gandhi family engaging in politics favorable to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Raut questioned the effectiveness of the electronic voting machines (EVMs) and raised doubts over their accuracy. According to him, during the counting of postal ballots, the Congress initially led in 199 seats in Madhya Pradesh. However, the situation allegedly changed once the votes in the EVMs were counted, leading to the BJP’s sweeping victory in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan, while the Congress secured a win in Telangana.
Referring to Kamal Nath, the Madhya Pradesh Congress chief who spearheaded the party’s campaign in the state, Raut warned that if individuals associated with the Gandhis align with political strategies favorable to PM Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah, the Congress could face heightened challenges in the upcoming elections.
Despite PM Modi’s perceived victory “magic” in three states, Raut pointed out that this did not translate in Telangana, suggesting that there are dynamics at play that go beyond the Prime Minister’s influence. He debunked the myth that the Congress cannot defeat PM Modi, citing past victories in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan during the 2018 state assembly polls.
Raut highlighted the resilience of Ashok Gehlot and Bhupesh Baghel, the outgoing Chief Ministers of Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, respectively, in putting up a fight during the recent assembly polls. Despite their efforts, the Congress faced defeat in these states.
As the political landscape evolves, Raut’s warning serves as a reminder of the intricate dynamics influencing electoral outcomes and the importance of strategic political moves in shaping the future of Indian politics.