Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s name popped up as the surprise opposition's prime ministerial candidate in a crucial meeting of the 'India' alliance. Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool leader Mamata Banerjee first came with Kharge's name. Aam Aadmi Party leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal jumped in favour of Banerjee’s decision. According to the opposition, Kharge, a Dalit leader would confound BJP leaders especially PM Modi, who would have to be very mindful in his attack on Kharge, for it can offend the Dalit masses, and thus give away the votes.

It can be assumed that this proposal was made considering factors such as Kharge's age, experience and affiliation with the Gandhi family. However, Kharge in a press conference conducted later, cleared the air, curtly denying the proposal made by the opposition leaders. He then asked leaders to work on some definite winning formula to oust the BJP from power in 2024 rather than selecting a PM candidate with haste. According to Kharge, the PM candidate would only be considered after the I.N.D.I. alliance comes out from the elections with a thumping victory.

By opting for Kharge of all people, TMC numero uno Mamata Banerjee is closing all doors for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to become a PM candidate. TMC hopes that with Kharge, the opposition could woo the Dalit voter base from BJP’s camp. This decision of the 'India' front will be effective only if the Congress manages to capture at least 100 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

It is also expected that by projecting Kharge, a southerner, as its leader, the Congress will be able to win more seats from the southern states and Union Territories, where the BJP has relatively less influence. Whatever the case, Kharge, who is obsequious to the Gandhi family, will likely opt out of the PM race, to pave the way for his masters to be considered for the same seat.

Kharge is adept in eight languages and speaks Hindi fluently, an uncommon trait for a Southerner. After he got into the helm of Congress, a new amicable relationship blossomed between Congress and other opposition parties, which later turned catalyst for the formation of the I.N.D.I. alliance. He is also one of the most recognized Dalit leaders in the country. He also holds the record of winning ten consecutive elections except for his defeat in 2019 from Gulbarga, the first registered loss in his long career.

However, there are strong winds of internal tussle within the I.N.D.I. alliance. Nitish Kumar is a PM aspirant, much like former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray. At the same time, it is yet to be seen how the Gandhi family and upper-class congress leaders will react to Kharge’s ascension to the PM post.

During Congress’s halcyon days, Upper-class Hindus, Muslims, backwards cast members and SC people favoured the party in its erstwhile bastion of Uttar Pradesh. With the total rebuilding of UP politics after the BJP coup in 2016, the voting pattern has differed. The Samajwadi Party is favoured by Muslims and backward classes now, while upper-class Hindus vote for BJP.

It needs a yeoman work from Congress to regain back their old turf in 2024, and it won’t be an easy task considering PM Modi’s rising popularity. However, nothing can be written off.