Patna: Internal tensions within the Congress’s Bihar unit have escalated after all 43 leaders served with show-cause notices submitted their formal responses, dismissing the charges against them and sharply criticising the state leadership.
The group, described within the party as rebel or disgruntled leaders, has accused the state leadership of acting arbitrarily and ignoring organisational procedures. According to party sources, the leaders convened a group discussion after receiving the notices and drafted a detailed joint response. In it, they allege that the notices were issued without any disciplinary inquiry and without clearance from the national leadership, in violation of party rules.
The leaders have also accused the state Congress president of running the organisation through unilateral decisions and sidelining internal dialogue. Complaints from workers at district and block levels, they claim, are being systematically ignored, weakening the party’s structure. Several leaders have gone as far as to describe the state leadership as a “puppet in the hands of the RSS-BJP”.
The state unit now faces an uncertain path forward. While some within the leadership are pressing for firm disciplinary action, others caution that any harsh decision may deepen discontent at a time when the party is grappling with the fallout of its electoral losses.
A spokesperson for the Bihar Congress said all responses were under review and that any decision would be taken in consultation with the party’s national leadership. Meanwhile, the notice recipients have suggested they may reassess their future within the organisation if attempts to “suppress their voice” continue.
