Tensions within the opposition Mahagathbandhan in Bihar have erupted into the open, with a senior Congress leader publicly calling for an end to the party's alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The demand comes in the wake of the coalition's crushing defeat in the recent state assembly elections.
Congress Leader Blames Ally for Electoral Damage
Senior Congress leader and former Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader, Shakeel Ahmad Khan, has launched a sharp critique against the party's long-standing ally. Speaking to The Indian Express on Tuesday, December 31, 2025, Khan asserted that the alliance has "damaged" the Congress and eroded its traditional voter base in the state.
Khan, who lost his own Kadwa seat in Katihar district in the November polls, claimed that all Congress candidates unanimously expressed this view during a review meeting convened by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) leadership in Delhi late last month. The candidates reportedly urged the central leadership to "reassess" the alliance, calling it "detrimental" to the party's prospects.
"The alliance with RJD has been holding back the party from regaining its strength as an independent political force in Bihar," Khan argued. He pointed to the stark election results as evidence. The incumbent NDA swept the polls, winning 202 out of 243 seats. The Mahagathbandhan managed only 35 seats, with the Congress's tally at a meagre 6 out of 61 seats it contested. The RJD's numbers plunged from 75 in 2020 to 25 seats this time.
Core Vote Bank Eroding, Claims Congress Leader
Khan presented a detailed critique of the partnership's impact. He claimed there has been a "steady erosion" of the Congress's core constituency due to its alignment with the Lalu Prasad-led RJD. State workers have flagged that the tie-up has not only failed to broaden the party's appeal but has also alienated a key segment of its traditional supporters.
"Even the Muslim-Yadav combination, once considered a key advantage for Mahagathbandhan, has faltered," Khan stated, indicating a breakdown of the classic social coalition. He contrasted the current situation with the Congress's performance in 1990, when it won 71 seats under challenging circumstances.
The growing belief within the Congress, according to Khan, is that it "can no longer afford to be seen as a subordinate partner of RJD." He issued a stark warning: "Unless Congress stands independently and goes through a major struggle to revive itself, it will be impossible to rebuild a strong and independent organisation in Bihar."
RJD Hits Back, Calls Congress Claims "Misplaced"
The RJD was quick to reject Khan's assertions. Party spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari responded, stating that making such claims publicly was "not sensible" and that the Congress must decide its future course independently. "It is up to Congress leadership to decide whether they want to continue with the alliance or not," Tiwari said, maintaining that the Congress-RJD relationship was a "natural alliance."
Tiwari argued that the Congress's claim of electoral harm was "misplaced." He pointed out that the RJD secured the single largest share of votes in the state and was "instrumental" in securing seats for the Congress. "Congress often demands more seats, but forgets that its performance depends on the alliance with RJD itself," he countered.
Emphasizing the alliance's ideological rationale, Tiwari stated that the RJD's leadership was crucial to "keep communal forces at bay." He urged the Congress to refrain from public criticism, noting that leaders like Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav had made sacrifices and respected allies.
Internal Discord Within Congress
The public airing of grievances has caused discomfort within the Congress as well. An AICC leader for Bihar, speaking on condition of anonymity, advised that such issues should be discussed internally. "Yes, some candidates said the alliance impacted our chances adversely. But what is the point of making a public remark against an ally at this time?" the leader questioned.
Another Congress leader who contested the election echoed this sentiment, suggesting a pragmatic view. "If we can build a base in the state, then we should surely contest alone. But have we done that? No. Then why say things about an ally when we know the decision has to be taken by the high command," the leader stated. This internal divide highlights the strategic dilemma facing the Congress in Bihar as it grapples with a severe electoral setback and an uncertain political future.
