On October 28, 2026, the results of the MLC elections in four states—Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Karnataka—were announced, and the Congress party found itself in a complete washout. The party failed to win a single one of the 28 MLC seats, a result that has left many questioning its future in Indian politics. Central Minister Prahalad Joshi, in his criticism, argued that the party's repeated electoral failures are a result of its inability to introspect and address its issues. He stated, 'Button or Ballot: Result is the same. CONgress faces a complete washout, winning ZERO out of 28 MLC seats nationwide.'
The BJP, led by Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has intensified its criticism of the Congress party, particularly focusing on the use of ballot papers. Amit Shah, in a tweet, bluntly stated, '28 out of 28 seats lost... 0. Ballot Box इस्तीफा दो।' This tweet was part of a broader campaign by the BJP to highlight the Congress party's performance in the elections. The BJP retained its seats in all four states, while Congress lost all of its seats in Karnataka, a state where it had previously held significant influence.
Pralhad Joshi, a central minister, criticized the Congress party for its repeated electoral failures, suggesting that the party's concerns about electronic voting machines (EVMs) are misplaced. He argued, 'Congress often expresses concerns about EVMs but the results remain the same on ballot papers. The party's failure to win any of the 28 MLC seats nationwide is seen as a complete washout.'
He used social media to emphasize the Congress party's poor performance, tweeting, '28 out of 28 seats lost.
Amit Shah's criticism extended beyond the election results. He used social media to emphasize the Congress party's poor performance, tweeting, '28 out of 28 seats lost... 0. Ballot Box इस्तीफा दो।' His tweet was accompanied by a series of posts that questioned the Congress party's ability to win in a democratic system where ballot papers are used.
The BJP's criticism is part of a larger debate over the use of ballot papers in future elections. The Congress party has long advocated for the use of ballot papers, arguing that they provide a more transparent and verifiable voting process. However, the results of the MLC elections suggest that the party's efforts to win public support through this argument have not been successful. The BJP's Amit Shah, in his tweet, emphasized the party's victory, stating, '28 में से कितनी सीटें जीती... 0. Ballot Box इस्तीफा दो...' This tweet was a clear indication of the BJP's satisfaction with its performance and a direct challenge to the Congress party's electoral strategy.
The Congress party's failure to win any seats in the MLC elections is a significant setback, especially considering its long-standing influence in these states. The party's inability to secure even a single seat in Karnataka, a state where it had previously held considerable sway, is a clear indication of its declining political fortunes. The BJP's criticism, particularly from Amit Shah, serves as a reminder of the party's determination to capitalize on the Congress party's electoral failures and maintain its dominance in Indian politics.