Is Congress Attempting to Reclaim Lost Ground with New Strategy?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Congress's CWC meeting in Patna aims to revive its political relevance.
- NDA leaders criticize Congress's efforts as insincere.
- Internal tensions within the INDIA alliance are evident over seat-sharing.
- Bihar's political dynamics are evolving ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections.
- Engagement with the electorate is crucial for any party's success.
New Delhi, Sep 24 (NationPress) As the Congress Working Committee (CWC) convenes its significant meeting in Patna, prominent leaders from Bihar's ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have vocally condemned the initiative, labeling it a desperate attempt by the Congress to reclaim its position in the state's political arena.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha shared with IANS that the Congress is making efforts to re-establish itself in Bihar ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections, while casting doubt on the party's motivations and timing.
“With elections looming in Bihar, the Congress party is striving to make its presence felt,” Sinha remarked.
“In a democratic process, the Congress had a firm grip on Bihar for many years. Nonetheless, during that period, they never genuinely engaged with the Bihar populace. Now, in a final attempt to assert their identity, Congress is rolling out a new strategy to mark their presence.”
Additionally, Santosh Kumar Suman, Minister and National President of Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), emphasized that Congress needs to reassess its alliances in Bihar if it genuinely aims to assist the state.
“If Congress intends to help the people of Bihar and enact positive change, it must distance itself from those responsible for mismanagement, tarnishing the state's reputation, and fostering disorder,” Suman stated, indirectly referencing the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), a significant ally of Congress within the INDIA coalition.
The CWC gathering is witnessing participation from over 170 senior leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Chief Ministers Siddaramaiah (Karnataka), Revanth Reddy (Telangana), and Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (Himachal Pradesh). Esteemed personalities such as Ashok Gehlot, Shashi Tharoor, and Sachin Pilot are also part of this high-profile assembly.
Taking place at the historic Sadaqat Ashram, a pivotal site linked to Bihar’s political heritage, the meeting is perceived as the party’s endeavor to rejuvenate its image and approach in the state, particularly amid tensions with the RJD regarding seat distribution within the INDIA alliance.
While Congress leaders portray the meeting as a measure toward “preserving democracy” and “reconnecting with Bihar,” the NDA has dismissed it as mere political theatrics lacking substance.
As Bihar gears up for crucial elections, the Congress's revival efforts and the NDA's pointed criticisms are setting the stage for a fierce political showdown.