‘Winds Of Change In Bihar’: Congress To Fight Polls As Part Of INDIA Bloc, Signals Open CM Choice
The Congress has thrown its weight behind the INDIA bloc for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, signaling a united front against the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). In a high-level meeting chaired by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress leadership hashed out its strategy, emphasizing a collective approach to key decisions—including the contentious question of the chief ministerial candidate. As Bihar braces for a pivotal electoral battle later this year, the party is banking on public discontent and a promise of inclusive governance to shift the state’s political tides.
Strategic Unity: Congress Commits To INDIA Bloc
The Congress solidified its alliance strategy during a meeting at Indira Gandhi Bhawan in Delhi, attended by heavyweights like Rahul Gandhi, Bihar Congress chief Rajesh Kumar, AICC Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru, and senior leaders such as Meira Kumar and Tariq Anwar. Kharge, addressing the gathering, underscored the party’s resolve to fight alongside INDIA bloc partners. “We will remove the current government and bring a government in Bihar that will bring inclusive development and protect the rights of all,” he declared in a post on X, hinting at a broader coalition agenda.
AICC Bihar in-charge Allavaru, briefing the press, reinforced this stance: “We will take on the BJP and its allies unitedly.” When pressed on whether RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav would be the bloc’s CM face, he demurred, saying, “A collective decision will be taken when the INDIA bloc discusses seat-sharing and leadership.” This ambiguity leaves the door open for negotiations, reflecting a pragmatic approach to alliance dynamics.
Winds Of Change: Tapping Into Bihar’s Discontent
Kharge painted a vivid picture of a state ripe for transformation. “The winds of change have started blowing in Bihar. The people are worried about development, social justice, and their futures,” he posted on X. He highlighted simmering anger among the youth over recruitment exam irregularities, paper leaks, and rampant unemployment—issues the Congress aims to weaponize against the NDA. “Bihar is craving for change,” Kharge reiterated, framing the election as a referendum on the state’s governance.
Rahul Gandhi echoed this sentiment on his WhatsApp channel, pledging the Congress to “social harmony, equality, and progress.” He added, “The state is ready to bring an era of change and justice,” aligning the party’s campaign with its national narrative of constitutional protection and equity.
Organizational Overhaul: New Faces, New Focus
The meeting doubled as a stock-taking exercise, with Bihar leaders offering candid insights into the ground reality. State chief Rajesh Kumar, a Dalit MLA recently appointed to replace upper-caste veteran Akhilesh Prasad Singh, emphasized organizational strengthening and campaign planning. “We will have to be with the INDIA bloc to stop divisive forces,” he asserted, signaling a unified front against the BJP’s polarizing tactics.
The leadership shuffle—Kumar’s elevation and Allavaru’s appointment as Bihar in-charge—marks a deliberate pivot. Kumar’s Dalit identity and Allavaru’s campaign expertise reflect the Congress’s push to reconnect with marginalized communities, leveraging Rahul Gandhi’s “Samvidhan bachao” rallying cry and calls for a caste census. This shift comes as the party seeks to reclaim relevance in a state where it has long played second fiddle to the RJD within the Mahagathbandhan.
The Road Ahead: Alliance Dynamics And Electoral Stakes
The Congress’s strategy hinges on the INDIA bloc’s cohesion, particularly with the RJD, which leads the opposition charge under Tejashwi Yadav. While the bloc aims to unseat the NDA—comprising the BJP, Janata Dal (United), and allies—the question of leadership remains a potential fault line. Allavaru sidestepped speculation about Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj outfit, noting that any coordination with emerging players would be a collective call.
With the elections looming, the Congress is positioning itself as a voice for Bihar’s disenchanted, from jobless youth to communities yearning for equitable growth. The meeting’s outcomes suggest a campaign built on grassroots mobilization, alliance synergy, and a sharp critique of the NDA’s record. As the “winds of change” gather momentum, Bihar’s political landscape stands on the cusp of a defining moment—one the Congress hopes to shape in its favor.
