In a significant organizational move, the All India Congress Committee on Saturday appointed 29 observers for the selection of district presidents in Bihar. This decision comes just one day after state Congress legislators and senior functionaries held crucial meetings with party president Mallikarjun Kharge and leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in Delhi.
Post-Election Revamp After Mahagathbandhan Defeat
The appointment of observers marks a concerted effort to revamp the Congress organization following the humiliating defeat of the opposition Mahagathbandhan in the recent Bihar elections. The party's poor performance has sparked intense internal discussions about strategy and alliances.
Growing Calls to Sever RJD Ties
Valmikinagar MLA Surendra Prasad revealed that legislators conveyed their opinion to the central leadership to sever ties with Rashtriya Janata Dal and strengthen the organization independently for better electoral results in future contests. "Congress would try to contest the next elections on its own," Prasad told reporters, adding that Rahul Gandhi had given his consent to this approach.
Union minister and HAM(S) founder Jitan Ram Manjhi echoed similar sentiments during his 'Litti with Manjhi' programme in Patna, which was attended by Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. "Bahut der kar di hujoor aate aate (took too long to arrive). Except a few, people in general hate RJD," Manjhi stated, suggesting it would benefit Congress to break away from the alliance.
Contradictory Signals Within Congress
However, Chanpatia MLA Abhishek Ranjan offered a different perspective, clarifying that no formal decision had been taken by the central leadership regarding severing ties with RJD. "The Delhi meeting on Friday was held to discuss strengthening Congress at district and block levels. RJD is still our respected ally," he emphasized.
Ranjan further denied reports about possible changes in the state Congress presidency, explaining that discussions primarily focused on reorganizing the party at district and block levels, followed by booth-level strengthening initiatives.
RJD's Upcoming National Executive Meeting
Meanwhile, the Rashtriya Janata Dal has scheduled its national executive committee meeting to be held in Patna on Sunday. This gathering occurs against the backdrop of growing speculation about the future of the Congress-RJD alliance in Bihar politics.
Internal Pressure for Independent Strategy
Sources indicate that Purnia MP Pappu Yadav, who attended the Delhi meeting as a special invitee along with several legislators and leaders, urged the central leadership to consider going solo in Bihar if the party hopes to regain lost political ground. This recommendation comes after Congress won only six assembly seats in the November elections, a significant decline from the 19 seats secured in the 2020 polls.
Senior Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad Khan has attributed the party's poor electoral performance directly to RJD's public image and the alliance dynamics. His categorical statement reflects growing sentiment among some Congress leaders that the partnership has become politically detrimental.
MLAs Reject Defection Rumors
Addressing speculation about possible defections, Surendra Prasad assured that Congress legislators have committed to remaining with the party despite the challenging political environment. "They assured Rahul that they had emerged victorious even amid the NDA wave and would not go anywhere," he stated, attempting to quell rumors of internal disintegration.
The contrasting narratives emerging from different Congress leaders highlight the complex dynamics within the party as it navigates post-election realities in Bihar. While some advocate for complete independence from RJD, others emphasize maintaining the alliance while strengthening organizational structures.
As both parties prepare for their respective organizational meetings, the political landscape in Bihar remains fluid, with significant implications for opposition unity against the ruling National Democratic Alliance government led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
