Haryana Election results: INDIA bloc allies urge Congress to rethink poll strategy after loss
New Delhi: Following its defeat in the Haryana assembly elections, the Congress party's allies in the INDIA bloc have called for a review of its election strategy. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Shiv Sena-UBT, and the Communist Party of India (CPI) voiced concerns over the Congress’s approach, particularly as upcoming polls in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Delhi draw near.
Despite initially trailing during the vote count, the BJP secured a significant victory, winning 48 out of 90 seats, while the Congress, expected to capitalize on anti-incumbency sentiments, managed only 37 seats.
AAP leaders criticised the Congress, warning against overconfidence. Arvind Kejriwal stated that the key takeaway from the results is to avoid complacency. Manish Sisodia added that although voters sought to unseat the BJP, the Congress's strategic flaws led to its poor performance.
Shiv Sena-UBT leader Priyanka Chaturvedi maintained that the Haryana results would not affect the Maharashtra elections but advised the Congress to refine its strategy. CPI general secretary D Raja urged the Congress to introspect and involve all INDIA bloc partners in shaping the strategy for the upcoming polls in Maharashtra and Jharkhand.
With the Congress engaged in seat-sharing talks with Shiv Sena-UBT and NCP-SP in Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray has pushed for clarity on the coalition's chief ministerial candidate. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh emphasised adherence to 'coalition dharma' and stressed that alliance issues should be discussed internally, rather than through the media.
The Haryana election outcome has raised concerns within the opposition bloc as they prepare for crucial assembly elections in key states.
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WI beat England by 6 wickets, enter women's T20 WC semifinals
Dubai, Oct 15: Captain Hayley Matthews and her opening partner Qiana Joseph struck fine half centuries as the West Indies registered a thumping six-wicket win over England to qualify for the semifinals of the Women's T20 World Cup here on Tuesday.
England were knocked out of the showpiece following the defeat.
Matthews (50 off 38 balls) and Joseph (52 off 38 balls) shared 102 runs for the opening wicket in 12.2 overs to take the game away from England as West Indies chased down the target of 142 with 12 balls to spare.
Both got out in quick succession but Deandra Dottin's 27 off 19 balls ensured that West Indies reached 142 for 4 in 18 overs.
South Africa will face Group A winners and defending champions Australia in the first semifinals on Thursday while West Indies take on Group A runners-up New Zealand in the second semifinals on Friday.
West Indies finished their league engagements with six points from four matches, the same as South Africa and England. But the Caribbeans have the highest Net Run Rate of + 1.504, followed by South Africa (+1.382). England, who ended with NRR of + 1.117, finished third in Group B and were eliminated.
India have already been eliminated from the semifinal race after finishing third in Group A.
Put in to bat, England slumped to 34 for 3 just after power play but recovered to post 141 for 7 with Nat Sciver-Brunt top-scoring with 57 not out off 50 balls while captain Heather Knight retired hurt on 21 off 13 balls.
For West Indies, leg-spinner Afy Fletcher took three wickets for 21 runs from her four overs while Hayley Matthews got two scalps.
Brief Scores:
England: 141 for 7 in 20 overs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 57 not out; Afy Fletcher 3/21).
West Indies: 142 for 4 in 18 overs (Hayley Matthews 50, Qiana Joseph 52; Sarah Glenn 1/20).
