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Bihar Politics: The Indian National Congress is facing fresh internal deliberations regarding its political strategy in Bihar, as differences have surfaced over whether the party should continue its alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal or chart an independent course in the state. The issue has gained significance ahead of future electoral battles and reflects broader concerns about the party’s grassroots strength and political identity in Bihar.

Background of the High-Level Delhi Meeting

A crucial meeting was held in New Delhi at the residence of Mallikarjun Kharge, where senior party leaders and legislators from Bihar were invited for discussions. The meeting aimed to address speculation about internal dissent, alliance politics, and rumours of possible defections. During the interaction, Kharge reportedly sought candid feedback from Bihar-based leaders on whether the Congress should maintain its partnership with the RJD or contest elections independently.

Congress MLAs Express Strong Opposition

All six Congress MLAs from Bihar reportedly spoke against continuing the alliance with the RJD. According to sources familiar with the meeting, the legislators argued that the tie-up had negatively affected the Congress’s public perception in the state. They claimed the alliance limited the party’s growth, weakened its organisational presence, and resulted in a lower number of seats than expected. The MLAs emphasised that fighting elections independently could help the party rebuild its voter base and restore its political credibility.

Differing Views Among Party Office-Bearers

While the MLAs presented a unified stance against the alliance, some senior office-bearers offered a contrasting view. Akhilesh Prasad Singh, considered close to Lalu Prasad Yadav, reportedly supported the continuation of the alliance. He described the partnership as strategically necessary for Bihar, citing the state’s complex caste dynamics and coalition-driven politics. According to supporters of the alliance, severing ties with the RJD could weaken the opposition space and indirectly benefit rival coalitions.

Electoral Performance and Alliance Impact

The debate has been intensified by the electoral performance of the Mahagathbandhan alliance in the Bihar Assembly elections. Congress contested 61 seats as part of the opposition bloc, while the RJD, as the largest partner, contested 143 seats. Despite these numbers, the alliance failed to secure a majority. In contrast, the National Democratic Alliance, led by the BJP and Janata Dal United, achieved a decisive victory by winning 202 seats. Critics within the Congress argue that the seat-sharing arrangement did not translate into electoral gains and instead constrained the party’s independent visibility.

MLAs Summoned Amid Defection Rumours

The six Congress MLAs from Bihar were summoned to Delhi following speculation that they might defect to rival parties. These rumours gained traction after the legislators skipped a party-organised feast at Sadaquat Ashram ahead of the Makar Sankranti celebrations. Their absence led to widespread political speculation, prompting the party leadership to intervene and seek clarity directly from the MLAs.

Party Leadership Responds to Speculation

After the meeting, Congress general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal dismissed reports of defections as unfounded. He stated that all Bihar MLAs were present at the meeting and reaffirmed their commitment to the party. Senior leader Rahul Gandhi was also present during the discussions, underscoring the importance the party leadership is giving to Bihar’s political roadmap.

Implications for Congress Strategy in Bihar

The internal debate highlights a larger strategic question for the Congress in Bihar: whether to rely on regional allies or invest in rebuilding its own organisational strength. With assembly and parliamentary elections on the horizon, the decision on alliances could significantly shape the party’s future in the state. The leadership is expected to weigh electoral arithmetic against long-term political revival before taking a final call.