The Indian National Congress is facing mounting pressure within the INDIA bloc following a dismal performance in the recent Bihar Assembly elections, leading to speculation that the party may opt to contest future polls independently. The results of the Bihar election, where the Congress won only 6 of the 61 seats it contested, have weakened its negotiating power within the opposition alliance and raised questions about its leadership role.

Several factors contributed to the Congress's poor showing in Bihar. Critics point to a lack of coordination and joint campaigning with alliance partners, particularly the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). There were also internal issues within the Bihar Congress unit, including protests by disgruntled leaders who were denied tickets and demanded the replacement of the party's Bihar in-charge. The party's campaign strategy, which revolved around allegations of "vote chori" (vote theft) against the Election Commission and the BJP, failed to resonate with voters.

The Bihar debacle has broader implications for the INDIA bloc, an alliance of 26 political parties aiming to challenge the dominance of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The Congress's poor performance has intensified calls for a change in leadership within the bloc, with some suggesting that regional leaders with a proven track record of defeating the BJP should take the helm. A splinter group within the INDIA bloc, comprising parties like Trinamool Congress (TMC), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Shiv Sena (UBT), and Samajwadi Party, has been charting its own course, prioritizing regional issues andCommon strategy.

Adding to the uncertainty, the Congress has signaled its intention to contest the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections independently. This decision has fueled speculation about strains within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), a coalition that includes the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The Shiv Sena (UBT) has cautioned the Congress against going solo, warning that it could be "suicidal" and weaken the opposition's unity. However, Congress leaders have defended their decision, citing the desire of local leaders and workers to contest the elections on their own strength. The party aims to address corruption and citizens' issues in the upcoming elections.

The possibility of the Congress contesting future elections independently raises questions about the future of the INDIA bloc. While the alliance managed to prevent the BJP from reaching a majority in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, it has since suffered setbacks in several state assembly elections. The Congress's struggles to mobilize support and execute effective electoral strategies have led to criticism that it is the "weakest link" in the bloc. Some analysts believe that the Congress's decision to go it alone in the BMC elections could divide the votes of opposition parties and benefit the BJP.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether the Congress and the INDIA bloc can overcome their challenges and present a united front against the NDA in future elections. The upcoming elections in various states will be crucial tests for both the Congress and the INDIA bloc, determining their relevance and viability as political forces.