Congress Leaders Prioritise Rajya Sabha Berths as 2026 State Poll Strategy Takes a Back Seat

As the Congress party navigates a turbulent political landscape, internal dynamics have once again begun to overshadow electoral planning. With the 2026 State Assembly elections still over a year away, senior Congress leaders across several states are reportedly shifting their immediate focus toward securing Rajya Sabha nominations, many of which require the direct approval of Rahul Gandhi. This scramble for Upper House seats has effectively pushed detailed preparations for the 2026 polls to the backburner, according to party insiders.

Sources within the party indicate that the upcoming Rajya Sabha vacancies crucial for shaping the Congress’ national legislative strategy have triggered vigorous lobbying. Leaders from states such as Karnataka, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Maharashtra are believed to be positioning themselves for consideration, aware that a Rajya Sabha seat offers political relevance even as the party faces fluctuating electoral fortunes.

Rahul Gandhi, who continues to wield significant influence in candidate selection despite avoiding formal party leadership posts, is said to be at the center of the decision-making process. Leaders have been seeking meetings, placing recommendations through trusted intermediaries, and emphasizing loyalty, performance, or regional representation in their pitches.

The stakes are particularly high because several senior leaders some having lost recent assembly or Lok Sabha elections view a Rajya Sabha berth as an opportunity to remain politically active and visible. Others, relatively younger leaders, see the Upper House as a platform to represent internal reformist voices at the national level.

Meanwhile, comprehensive groundwork for the 2026 State elections particularly in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, and Assam has reportedly slowed. While organisational teams have begun early assessments, insiders admit that state units have not received strong directive or strategic guidance from the central leadership, partly due to the current preoccupation with parliamentary nominations.

Some party strategists fear that delaying early planning could cost the Congress valuable preparation time, especially in states where alliances play a decisive role. In Kerala and Tamil Nadu, for example, the Congress will need sustained coordination with alliance partners, something that typically requires year-long engagement. In Assam and West Bengal, where the Congress faces fragmentation and defections, rebuilding organisational structures is expected to be a major challenge.

Political analysts suggest that the Rajya Sabha race reflects deeper structural issues within the part particularly the lack of clarity over leadership roles and long-term strategy. The Congress Working Committee has discussed electoral reforms internally, but sources say implementation has been slow due to competing priorities.

Supporters of Rahul Gandhi argue that the focus on Rajya Sabha selections is natural and necessary, as the party must strengthen its parliamentary voice. Critics, however, caution that the Congress cannot afford to deprioritise state elections, especially when regional parties and the ruling BJP continue consolidating their strength on the ground.

As the Congress attempts to balance organisational revival with legislative representation, the coming months will test its internal discipline and strategic clarity. Whether the party successfully manages both the Rajya Sabha nominations and its early 2026 poll preparations may significantly influence its political standing in the next electoral cycle.