Could the Congress Party's New Candidate Selection Committee Revitalize Bihar Elections?
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Synopsis
As the Bihar Assembly elections loom, the Congress party has unveiled an 11-member Screening Committee led by Ajay Maken, aiming to strategically select candidates. This structured approach signifies a commitment to regain influence in a state where their presence has dwindled over the years.
Key Takeaways
- Formation of an 11-member Screening Committee by the Congress party.
- Ajay Maken appointed as chairman to lead the candidate selection process.
- Committee aims to minimize internal factionalism and enhance candidate viability.
- Target to shortlist 4-5 candidates from each Assembly constituency.
- Focus on winnability, social representation, and local popularity.
Patna, July 26 (NationPress) As the Bihar Assembly elections approach, the Congress party has kicked off the candidate selection process by unveiling an 11-member Screening Committee for the state.
Senior Congress leader Ajay Maken has been designated as the committee's chairman.
This initiative reflects a systematic and centralized approach by the party to finalize its candidates, with the goal of fielding strong challengers while minimizing internal conflicts.
The committee is made up of notable party figures and youth representatives, including Parineeti Shinde, Imran Pratapgarhi, and Kunal Chaudhary as key members.
Additionally, there are seven ex-officio members: Krishna Allavaru, AICC Bihar in-charge, Rajesh Ram, State President of Bihar Congress, Shakeel Ahmed Khan, Leader of Legislative Party, Assembly, Madan Mohan Jha, Leader of Legislative Party, Legislative Council, Devendra Yadav, Shahnawaz Alam, and Sushil Kumar Pasi, AICC Secretary.
The screening committee will gather insights from every Assembly constituency and select 4-5 potential candidates from each.
The shortlisted candidates will then be forwarded to the party's high command, with the final decision resting with the Central Election Committee (CEC) of the Congress.
Sources within the party indicate that the aim is to ensure winnability, social representation, and local appeal in the final candidate selection.
With the Bihar Assembly elections set for October-November 2025, the Congress, part of the opposition Mahagathbandhan, is ramping up its preparations.
The party is eager to reclaim its presence in a state where its electoral strength has significantly waned over time.
The creation of the screening committee is a crucial part of the party's strategy to present a unified and competitive front, especially as alliance dynamics and ticket-sharing discussions with RJD and Left parties are likely to heat up in the coming weeks.
In the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, the historic party contested 70 seats but could only secure 19.
Point of View
The Congress party's formation of a Screening Committee is a critical move that reflects its determination to streamline candidate selection. This initiative signifies an effort to enhance the party's credibility and electoral viability in Bihar, a state that has historically been challenging for them. It remains to be seen how effectively they can navigate the complexities of alliances and local dynamics as they prepare for the elections.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Congress Screening Committee in Bihar?
The Screening Committee aims to streamline the candidate selection process for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, ensuring a structured approach to field strong candidates.
Who leads the Congress Screening Committee?
Senior Congress leader Ajay Maken has been appointed as the chairman of the Screening Committee.
How many members are in the Congress Screening Committee?
The Screening Committee consists of 11 members, including prominent party leaders and youth representatives.
What is the timeline for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections?
The Bihar Assembly elections are expected to take place in October-November 2025.
What was Congress's performance in the last Bihar Assembly election?
In the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, the Congress party contested 70 seats but won only 19.
