By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
In an election rally in Jammu in September, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge fainted during his speech at Kathua. He was immediately whisked away for medical help. As the videos of Kharge went viral, it became big embarrassment for Congress in the elections with BJP leaders dubbing both Congress and its chief sick.
Kharge’s case was not an isolated one. In fact, the whole Congress campaign remained lackluster in Jammu and Kashmir. And when the results were declared on Tuesday, Congress faced its worst defeat in decades there.
Just before assembly elections, Congress under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi was brimming with confidence to register handsome victories in both Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir.
But the results were completely opposite. In Haryana, Congress lost to BJP in direct fight. The party hit rock-bottom in Jammu and Kashmir winning only six seats. Both the defeats were ignominious for Congress especially in Haryana where it looked certain to grab power after years of political hibernation.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the only solace was that Congress along with its alliance partner National Conference managed to secure a clear majority though the National Conference won 42 seats alone. Except BJP and NC, all other parties including Congress could not touch the double digit mark.
How come a sure-shot victory in Haryana was snatched away by BJP despite all those predictions which gave Congress a big victory at the hustings. Was it overconfidence or the lingering infighting? Or was it jalebi-like riddle that Congress could not solve in the run up to the election. By the time voting took place, the Congress could not anticipate any defeat.
In Jammu region, Congress could win only one seat. In both Haryana and Jammu region, the consolidation of Hindu votes also tilted the balance in favour of BJP. There was a seething anger among Jammu people as they accused Congress for allowing Rohingiya Muslims to settle in Jammu in large numbers when the party was in power at the centre.
Obviously, there cannot be one factor alone that brings downfall. And Kharge is certainly one big factor. Due to the old age of Kharge, Congress must bring a suitable boy for itself. If it cannot bring a boy, the party can look for a girl. Boy or girl, it should be suitable for Congress.
After the election debacle, the Congress leadership should start thinking seriously to remove Kharge. “We have also heard murmuring among the Congress leaders that Kharge might be ousted shortly,” a top Congress leader said. But who will replace Kharge? This is a big question that may be haunting Congress leadership. By the way, Congress also needs a scapegoat.