Will Congress Prioritize Women Candidates in Bihar Elections?
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Synopsis
In a significant announcement, Bihar Congress President Rajesh Ram revealed plans to prioritize women candidates over men in the upcoming assembly elections. This move aims to enhance women's representation amid ongoing seat-sharing discussions within the INDIA Bloc, as the political landscape prepares for a competitive electoral battle.
Key Takeaways
- Increased women candidates: Congress aims for higher representation of women in the Bihar Assembly elections.
- Ongoing seat-sharing discussions: Negotiations within the INDIA Bloc are progressing positively.
- Criticism of government policies: Allegations of election-driven initiatives were raised during the press conference.
- Condemnation of intolerance: Recent incidents reflecting intolerance were condemned by Congress leadership.
- Political landscape changes: The Grand Alliance's expansion may affect Congress's seat allocation.
Patna, Oct 7 (NationPress) Bihar Congress President Rajesh Ram revealed on Tuesday that the party plans to nominate more women candidates than men in the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
During a press briefing in Patna, he emphasized that the Congress is dedicated to maximizing women's representation in the constituencies it contests.
When questioned about seat-sharing within the INDIA Bloc, Rajesh Ram stated that discussions are ongoing, with a formal announcement anticipated soon.
“Negotiations are moving forward positively, and we will provide the final details to the media shortly,” he mentioned.
Also attending the press conference, Jharkhand government minister Deepika Pandey criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, suggesting they behave like cousin brothers.
She raised concerns regarding the timing of the NDA government's announcement to allocate Rs 10,000 to 1.21 crore women, alleging it was an election-driven strategy.
“If the government can assist 1.21 crore women, why are others still excluded? What has the Prime Minister achieved for the women of Bihar to date?” she questioned, noting that the Jharkhand government has effectively implemented its own welfare initiatives (Maiya Samman Yojana).
During the same session, Rajesh Ram also condemned the shoe-throwing incident at a Supreme Court judge, labeling it as highly condemnable and a direct assault on the Constitution and judiciary.
He suggested that the incident signifies the rising intolerance under the BJP-RSS regime.
The Congress party had contested 70 seats in the 2020 Bihar Assembly election, but the number of seats may be reduced this time.
As more parties join the Grand Alliance — including Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) led by Mukesh Sahani, Pashupati Kumar Paras’s Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP), and Hemant Soren’s Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) — the seat-sharing arrangement will need to accommodate additional partners, resulting in a smaller allocation for Congress.
Point of View
The Congress party's commitment to increasing women's representation in the upcoming Bihar elections is a promising step toward gender equality in politics. As discussions on seat-sharing continue within the INDIA Bloc, it will be crucial to observe how this strategy affects the party's overall performance and collaboration with allies. The focus on women's issues could resonate well with voters, reflecting a growing trend in political agendas nationwide.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Congress focusing on women candidates in Bihar?
Congress aims to enhance women's representation in politics, addressing gender disparities and empowering women in decision-making roles.
What are the ongoing discussions within the INDIA Bloc?
The INDIA Bloc is negotiating seat-sharing arrangements among various political parties to optimize their electoral strategy for the upcoming elections.
How many seats did Congress contest in the last elections?
In the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, Congress contested 70 seats.
What are the implications of the recent announcements by the NDA government?
The NDA government's announcement to distribute funds to women has been scrutinized as potentially election-driven, raising questions about genuine welfare initiatives.
How does the Congress plan to adapt to the evolving political landscape?
With more parties joining the Grand Alliance, Congress must navigate seat-sharing dynamics carefully, potentially leading to a smaller share of seats.
