After MP rout, state Congress chief: ‘Silver lining is that our average loss margin has reduced … There is a need for change in our party’

Even as the Congress made gains in the Hindi heartland states of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan in the Lok Sabha elections, the Congress was completely swept away in Madhya Pradesh where it failed to win a single constituency for the first time in the state’s history.

In an interview, Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari tells The Indian Express that senior leaders who left the party played spoilsport and underlines the need for change in how the state unit functions.

* What are your initial thoughts on the Congress’s loss?

We need to self-reflect on the loss now. In the recent Assembly election, which took place three to four months ago, we lost by a big margin. We lost this time because of the atmosphere created after that election.

* Was the exodus of leaders a big factor?

Many senior leaders left the party before the election. They did not have a direct impact but I believe they spoiled the atmosphere. I think we could not fight the elections on a united platform and that was our mistake.

* What is the silver lining, if any?

The one good takeaway is that compared to last time our average margin of loss has reduced. It was around 2-2.5 lakh votes this time around, down from 4.5 lakh votes last time. The BJP captured our seats like in Khajuraho and Indore. This time, NOTA has got record votes (in Indore). Despite everything the margin of loss has decreased.

* The BJP fell short of its ‘400 paar’ target. What does this mean for the Congress?

Narendra Modi’s guarantees have failed and he should resign from the post considering the 75-year age cap for retirement (in the BJP). This will be our demand now.

* What will your main focus be now?

We have lost the election. We know there is a lot of need for improvement in our