Patna: After a major electoral setback in Bihar, the Congress is likely to take a significant political step by withdrawing from the Grand Alliance and ending its partnership with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Party sources suggest that an official announcement may come early in the new year as the leadership evaluates its future strategy in the state.
The development follows a closed-door review meeting held in Delhi on November 27, where Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and KC Venugopal met defeated candidates and senior state leaders. According to a senior leader who attended the meeting, the party has decided to rebuild its independent political base in Bihar.
Shift Back to Core Vote Base
The meeting reportedly concluded that the party’s recent focus on expanding support among Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) did not translate into electoral gains. Instead, the leadership signaled a return to its traditional support groups — Muslims, Dalits, Brahmins, and Bhumihars.
As per the Bihar caste survey, these communities account for roughly 44 percent of the state’s population, offering a sizeable voter base. A major organizational reshuffle is expected as part of this renewed outreach.
No Change in State Leadership Amid Rebuilding Efforts
Though some leaders demanded a change in state leadership after the defeat, the central leadership clarified that both the state president and in-charge will continue. They were appointed shortly before the elections, and the party believes they now deserve full freedom to strengthen organizational structures.
The party is expected to induct more youth leaders and revamp committees from the state level down to blocks. Even the appointment of the legislative party leader in Bihar remains pending and may go to a fresh face.
Ending Dependence on RJD Before 2029
Congress leaders say the next four years provide an opportunity to shed the perception of being a junior partner to the RJD. The party’s performance in Bihar has steadily declined since 2014 despite the alliance, prompting calls for self-reliance ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
The leadership may also distance itself from Pappu Yadav after the alliance suffered heavy losses in his stronghold, Purnia, where none of the six Assembly constituencies fell in their favour. Sources claim Rahul Gandhi did not meet him during the review meeting.
Criticism Over Alliance Exit and Community Strategy
While Congress explores a solo path, political observers warn the move could fracture opposition votes. Senior journalist Adesh Rawal said that if Congress and RJD contest separately, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stands to gain. He also questioned the sudden shift from targeting OBCs and EBCs to focusing on upper caste and minority groups.
History of Breakups and Failed Solo Attempts
Congress has previously fought elections without RJD support — notably in 2009 and 2010 — but achieved limited success. In the 2009 Lok Sabha polls, the party won just two out of 37 seats contested. In the 2010 Assembly election, it contested all 243 seats but secured only four.
Internal Reasons Cited for Defeat
During the review meeting, candidates highlighted three key issues:
• Poor ticket distribution: Loyal workers ignored while newcomers were given priority; allegations of monetary influence in ticket allocation.
• Weak coordination within the Grand Alliance: Core voters drifted away, and allies did not fully transfer votes to Congress candidates.
• AIMIM factor in Seemanchal: A chunk of Muslim votes shifted to AIMIM, hurting Congress in its key strongholds.
With a long electoral gap ahead, the Congress now appears focused on reviving its grassroots structure and reclaiming lost political territory in Bihar — potentially without the Grand Alliance.
