Stakes are the highest for the Congress ahead of assembly election results

The stakes are the highest for the Congress in these five assembly elections as exit polls predict that the party is set to lose Manipur—where it has been in power for 15 years – and Uttarakhand. The Congess, which is neck and neck with the AAP in Punjab, is banking on its alliance with the Samajwadi Party for a good show in the crucial state.

Uttar Pradesh, India - March 2, 2017: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi at election rally at Pindra inUttar Pradesh, India, on Thursday, March 2, 2017. (Photo by Arun Sharma/ Hindustan Times)(Arun Sharma/HT PHOTO)

If results are as the exit polls show, the grand old party of India will be reduced to just one big state —Karnataka, which goes to polls next year.

The Congress has faced a series of drubbings – in Maharashtra, Haryana, Rajsthan, Assam and Delhi – and will be looking for a win in Punjab to reverse the tide.