Bihar Congress Legislators Hold Crucial Meeting with Top Leadership in Delhi
In a significant political development, six Congress MLAs from Bihar convened with the party's top leadership in New Delhi on Friday. The meeting, which included Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, aimed to address growing speculation about potential defections to the Janata Dal (United).
MLAs Dismiss Defection Talks as Mere Rumors
The legislators—Abidur Rahman from Araria, Surendra Prasad Kushwaha from Valmiki Nagar, Abhishek Ranjan from Chanpatia, Manoj Bishwas from Forbesganj, Qamrul Hoda from Kishanganj, and Manohar Prasad Singh from Manihari—firmly rejected the buzz surrounding their possible switch to JD(U). They labeled such discussions as "rumors and figment of media imagination," emphasizing their commitment to the Congress party.
Strategic Discussions for Upcoming Bihar Budget Session
According to the MLAs, the primary agenda of the meeting was to formulate a cohesive party strategy for the impending Bihar Budget session. Kishanganj MLA Qamrul Hoda explained, "As budget session of Bihar Assembly will get underway a few days from now, we were called to discuss the party strategy and line of attack we should take against the NDA government." This indicates a focused effort to challenge the ruling coalition effectively.
Forbesganj MLA Manoj Biswas added that strengthening the party organization from the grassroots to the state level was also a key topic. "We came here to meet our top leaders to seek guidance. The meeting also puts to rest rumours of our leaving the party," he stated, underscoring the session's role in clarifying their stance and reinforcing party unity.
Context of Recent Electoral Setbacks
The speculation arises just two months after the Bihar Assembly elections, where the Congress faced a notable decline. The party's tally dropped from 19 to six seats, while the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan was reduced from 110 to 35 seats. This electoral performance has heightened internal discussions about the party's future direction and alliances.
Internal Party Dynamics and Leadership Roles
Sources within the Bihar Congress revealed that AICC Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru played a pivotal role in facilitating the meeting between the MLAs and the central leadership. Additionally, the party is actively considering the election of its legislature party leader. Another critical subject debated was whether the Congress should continue its alliance with the RJD.
"While majority opinion was in favour of going solo, some party seniors advised the party to wait and focus on building the organisation in the state," a Congress source disclosed. This highlights the ongoing strategic deliberations within the party ranks.
JD(U) and BJP's Stance on Potential Inductions
A JD(U) source confirmed that the Congress MLAs had been in contact with the party but noted that their induction could be complicated. "We cannot offer ministerial berths to those wishing to join us. This could displease some veteran and committed party MLAs who are waiting to become ministers in the next Cabinet expansion, which could be anytime now," the source explained. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has reportedly put a hold on any such moves.
Meanwhile, the BJP is also cautious, showing reluctance to induct three "disgruntled" Rashtriya Lok Morcha MLAs due to alliance considerations. These RLM legislators, who were upset with party chief Upendra Kushwaha for appointing his non-legislator son as a minister, have since reconciled with him.
Broader Implications for Bihar's Political Landscape
This development gains significance as allies BJP and JD(U) compete for numerical superiority in the 243-member Bihar Assembly. With the BJP holding 89 MLAs and JD(U) at 85, the potential defection of Congress legislators could shift the balance of power. However, the current stance of both major parties suggests a cautious approach to avoid destabilizing their existing alliances and internal dynamics.
The meeting in Delhi not only served to quell defection rumors but also underscored the Congress's efforts to regroup and strategize following recent electoral challenges. As Bihar prepares for its Budget session, all eyes will be on how these political maneuvers unfold in the coming weeks.
