DELHI: The resounding victory in the Karnataka assembly elections, crucial to the semi-final battles of the Lok Sabha elections, will give the Congress and the entire anti-BJP opposition no small amount of confidence.

The performance of the Congress that defeated BJP in Karnataka is likely to influence the elections to be held in five states this year. Elections will be held in Mizoram, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh in November, and in Rajasthan and Telangana in December. Jammu and Kashmir elections may also be held. The victory in Karnataka will also help the infallibility of Congress in the opposition ranks. Karnataka is a new lesson for Trinamool Congress, Aam Aadmi Party and BRS, which are not interested in the Congress leading the anti-BJP opposition ranks.

It is also true that the performance of the Congress in the states of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka in 2018 did not prevent the BJP from winning in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. In 2014 and 2019, the BJP was seen winning the Lok Sabha elections immediately after it faced a setback in the assembly elections. Even in states where it lost power, the BJP won Lok Sabha seats.

Karnataka's victory gives the anti-BJP opposition ranks the energy to move forward by correcting their mistakes and deficiencies keeping this in mind.

Chhattisgarh

The Karnataka victory is sure to give the ruling Congress the energy to continue in power under the leadership of Bhupesh Baghel. Even though there is a change of government every five years, weak leadership like in Karnataka is a disadvantage for BJP.

Madhya Pradesh

Shivraj Singh Chouhan's BJP government is facing strong anti-incumbency sentiment. The situation is favorable for Congress to have a better victory than 2018 by putting Kamal Nath in front. Despite winning the government that day, Jyotiraditya Scindia's rebel move with the help of BJP was a setback.

Mizoram

Congress is trying to regain power in Mizoram, which it once dominated. The Mizo National Front came to power in 2018 after ousting the Congress which was in power since 2008.

Rajasthan

The cold war between Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and youth leader Sachin Pilot is a never-ending headache for the Congress. Maintaining governance is not easy. The Congress leadership's stance of prioritizing Gehlot's wealth of experience over Sachin's youth is decisive. Anti-government sentiment is also a challenge.

Telangana

Things are not in favor of Congress. BJP has started trying to grab power from BRS. Andhra Pradesh was divided and Telangana was formed when the Congress ruled the Centre. Party was affected there because of that.

Jammu and Kashmir

Congress has a chance if the elections are held. The position of regional parties like National Conference and PDP should also be helpful.