The visit of Congress supreme leader Rahul Gandhi has created stir in Bihar politics. While Congress continues to assert that it will contest elections with its allies in Bihar, the situation appears to be shifting. There are signs that the party may discuss potential alliances in the upcoming Congress meeting in Ahmedabad, with some Bihar leaders even suggesting an ‘Ekla Chalo’ (go it alone) strategy.
With elections scheduled for November this year, Congress is placing its trust in its youthful leaders, Kanhaiya Kumar and state in-charge Krishna Alavaru. Both have been leading the ‘Palayan Roko, Naukri Do’ (Stop Migration, Give Jobs), largely sidelining their allies. Rahul Gandhi also joined the Yatra in Begusarai on Monday, and the event was marked by an enthusiastic crowd, signaling potential success. Congress workers are energized by this show of strength, leading to a growing sense that the party may go solo in the state.
This shift towards independent politics has caused concern among allies, particularly the RJD, which fears that Congress may again push for more seats, as it did in the last election. Congress state leaders are demanding more than 70 seats, mirroring the demands of the previous election, while the VIP party, another key ally in the Mahagathbandhan, has asked for 60 seats. These escalating seat demands are straining relations within the alliance.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has remained silent on the matter, but party spokespersons have made it clear that they are unwilling to concede additional seats to Congress. The RJD’s difficulties are compounded by the fact that they lost power in the previous election due to Congress’s demands.
As the political landscape in Bihar intensifies, Congress’s youth faction is preparing to go it alone. All eyes will be on the AICC meeting in Ahmedabad to see how the party addresses these issues regarding Bihar’s electoral strategy.