In a significant development, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have hinted at the possibility of exploring government formation with the INDIA bloc. With only a narrow margin of 60 seats separating the NDA and INDIA, both at 292 and 232 seats respectively, the Congress seems poised to leverage potential alliances to secure power.

At a press conference, when questioned about the party's stance on government formation, Rahul Gandhi emphasized the importance of consulting with their alliance partners before making any decisions. He highlighted the upcoming meeting with the INDIA alliance, where such crucial matters would be deliberated upon collectively.

Mallikarjun Kharge echoed Gandhi's sentiments, suggesting the possibility of engaging with new partners to garner a majority. However, he remained cautious about divulging specific strategies, hinting at the need to maintain a level of secrecy to prevent their opponents from preempting their moves.

Reports circulating about potential outreach efforts to leaders like Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar further underscore the Congress's intent to explore all avenues for coalition-building. Naidu's TDP had previously aligned with the BJP but speculation suggests a willingness to switch allegiances if deemed advantageous.

Nitish Kumar's recent association with the Congress adds another layer of intrigue, considering his pivotal role in the formation of the INDIA bloc. His past alliances and subsequent realignments signal the fluidity of Indian politics, where alliances can shift based on evolving circumstances and interests.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the Congress's approach underscores the importance of strategic collaboration and flexibility in navigating the complexities of coalition politics.