60 pc of those who lost 2023 may win 2028 assembly polls: Shivakumar offers support

Deputy chief minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president D.K. Shivakumar has urged Congress candidates who were unsuccessful in the 2023 assembly elections to begin preparations for the 2028 battle.

Citing an internal survey, Shivakumar noted that 60 of these candidates have a strong likelihood of winning in the next assembly elections.

"As many as 60 candidates who lost the previous assembly election are said to [be likely to] win in the coming election according to an internal survey. In this backdrop, we have asked our unsuccessful candidates to prepare for 2028," he said while addressing a press conference after a meeting with the defeated candidates.

In a recent press conference, Shivakumar emphasised the importance of proactive engagement, stating that 86 defeated candidates had been invited to discuss their concerns and strategise for upcoming local body and assembly elections.

"We heard their concerns and deliberated on the preparations for the local body elections and the 2028 elections. We have given clear instructions to the defeated candidates to be proactive," the deputy CM said.

"We will call for another meeting of winning and losing candidates of the Lok Sabha elections.

"The CM and I will fix a meeting with the defeated candidates during the next session," Shivakumar added.

He said he would hold another meeting with chief minister Siddaramaiah, along with the district in charge ministers with the party workers from 23 March to 1 April.

He said the state unit is planning to invite Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in the first or second week of March to lay the foundation stone for the party offices.

He highlighted the party's commitment to strengthening its presence in the remaining constituencies in collaboration with the All India Congress Committee (AICC).

Addressing questions about his leadership role in the 2028 elections, Shivakumar expressed his dedication to advancing the party's mission, irrespective of his official position at that time. He underscored that leadership is driven by commitment and vision, rather than titles.

This initiative reflects the Congress party's forward-looking approach, aiming to build on its current strengths and address areas of improvement well ahead of the next electoral cycle.

With PTI inputs