Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma
New Delhi

The Congress party, which has been grappling with electoral setbacks in recent years, is now working on a major political revival strategy ahead of upcoming state elections. Under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, the party views the 2026 Assembly elections—particularly in Kerala—as a crucial opportunity to regain lost political ground in national politics.


Political observers believe the Congress hopes that victories in key states could help revive its national relevance after years of struggling against the dominant rise of the BJP.


Kerala Emerges as Congress’ Biggest Hope
Congress strategists believe the 2026 Kerala Assembly election could become a defining moment for the party. Leaders within the party feel that winning Kerala would deliver both a psychological and political boost at the national level.
Party insiders suggest that if Congress manages to secure victories in states like Haryana and Maharashtra, followed by success in Kerala, it could mark a significant political turning point for the party.


Rahul Gandhi’s Strategy: Ideological Battle Against BJP
Over the past few years, Congress has increasingly positioned itself as the primary ideological challenger to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Rahul Gandhi has consistently projected the party as a force committed to protecting democratic institutions, constitutional values, and secular principles in India.
Party leaders believe this ideological positioning has also opened doors for stronger cooperation with regional parties, particularly in states where coalition politics remains decisive.
Congress Reorganising in Assam with New Leadership
In the northeastern state of Assam, Congress is attempting to rebuild its political base after facing polarisation and repeated defections over the past few years.


The party is now promoting young leader Gaurav Gogoi as a prominent face in the state while restructuring the organisation. The aim is to prevent the BJP from consolidating complete political dominance in Assam.
Alliance Politics in Tamil Nadu
In southern India, Tamil Nadu remains politically important for the Congress. The party is expected to continue its electoral alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) while preparing its strategy for the next round of elections.
However, the political landscape may become more competitive as actor Vijay has entered politics with his new party TVK, potentially reshaping traditional electoral equations in the state.


Upcoming Elections Crucial for Congress
Political analysts note that elections in four states and one Union Territory in the coming period will be critical for the Congress party.


After what party leaders describe as a relatively improved performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress hopes to translate that momentum into stronger results at the state level.

Congress’ Larger Goal: Return to the Centre of National Politics
The broader challenge for the Congress is to re-establish itself as a central force in Indian national politics.
Rahul Gandhi’s strategy appears clear:


Sustain an ideological challenge against the BJP
Strengthen alliances with regional parties
Rebuild organisational strength at the state level
If the party manages to secure victories in Kerala and other key states, analysts say it could mark a significant shift not only for Congress but also for the broader opposition landscape in India.