Can the Grand Old Party Convince Its Partners on Electability After the CWC Meeting?
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Synopsis
In a landmark meeting, the Congress Working Committee gathered in Patna, marking a significant moment for the party. With Bihar elections on the horizon, can the Congress persuade its allies for more seats? The dynamics between Congress and RJD are crucial as they navigate seat-sharing in a bid for electoral success.
Key Takeaways
- Historic CWC meeting held in Patna after 80 years.
- Congress must negotiate with RJD for seat allocations.
- Tejashwi Yadav positioned as the opposition face.
- Congress has faced declining electoral performance since 1990.
- RJD's seat demands create tension within the alliance.
New Delhi, Sep 24 (NationPress) The recent Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting held in Patna on September 24 is being described as a “historic” and “landmark” occasion, marking the first gathering of senior leaders in the state in more than 80 years.
This meeting occurred shortly after the party and its allies wrapped up the “Voter Adhikar Yatra” earlier this month. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's statement about a countdown to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) starting with the upcoming Bihar elections may serve as an ambitious effort to invigorate party members.
Currently, the Congress party must persuade its major alliance partner – the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) – within the opposition coalition known as the “Mahagathbandhan” or grand alliance to secure a larger allocation of seats. Henceforth, it will be business as usual with the Grand Old Party relying on RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav for their share of the electoral pie.
Interestingly, right after the opposition's “vote chori” march, Tejashwi embarked on a five-day solo “Adhikar Yatra” to assess voter sentiment across ten districts in the state.
He meticulously selected these districts based on the RJD's progress or stability since 2010.
Pressure mounts on coalition partners as reports indicate that the RJD is advocating for 150 seats, leaving only 93 for other allies.
Parties like the Congress and the Left are vying for a larger share and have been negotiating vigorously. Recently, Tejashwi publicly stated his willingness to contest all 243 assembly constituencies in Bihar.
During the 2020 assembly elections, RJD candidates participated in 144 seats as part of the Mahagathbandhan, winning 75 and becoming the largest party in the state Assembly. Over time, Tejashwi has positioned himself as the leading face of the opposition.
He skillfully navigated the party to claim the single largest status in the Assembly, despite falling short of a majority even with allies.
As the Assembly elections approach, Tejashwi has been adept at negotiating seat allocations with partners, primarily the Left and Congress.
He currently serves as the Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly. While the Congress has shown support for Tejashwi as the Mahagathbandhan’s Chief Ministerial candidate, a formal announcement remains pending.
Insiders from the RJD express satisfaction, suggesting that a formal endorsement may soon follow. Meanwhile, the Congress party has been declining in Bihar's political arena since 1990, when it secured 71 seats, losing a staggering 125 seats since then.
The number dwindled to 29 in 1995 and further to 23 in 2000. The party's performance plummeted in 2010, winning merely four seats. As part of the Mahagathbandhan in 2015, the Congress managed to secure 27 seats, while in 2020, with 70 seats allocated in the alliance, it only achieved 19 seats.
Supporters of Tejashwi argue that Congress’ lackluster performance hindered the opposition's chances by a slim margin.
Thus, when Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spearheads negotiations with the larger partner, he may find it challenging to present a compelling case. The party continues to lack a charismatic leader and a solid organizational foundation.
Point of View
It is essential to observe that the Congress party is at a crucial crossroads in Bihar's political landscape. The outcome of its alliance negotiations with the RJD could significantly influence the opposition's strength against the NDA. With a steady decline in Congress's performance, the party must leverage its historical ties and adapt to the current political climate to regain relevance.
NationPress
10/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of the recent CWC meeting?
The recent CWC meeting in Patna was significant as it marked the first gathering of top Congress leaders in over 80 years, highlighting the party's efforts to unite ahead of the Bihar elections.
What challenges does the Congress face in the Bihar elections?
The Congress faces challenges in negotiating seat allocations with its allies, particularly the RJD, amidst its declining electoral performance over the years.
Who is leading the opposition in Bihar?
Tejashwi Yadav of the RJD is currently leading the opposition in Bihar and has been positioned as the primary face of the Mahagathbandhan alliance.
How has Congress performed in previous elections?
Congress has seen a significant decline in its performance in Bihar since 1990, with its seat count dropping from 71 to just 19 in the last assembly elections.
What are the prospects for seat-sharing among allies?
The RJD is reportedly pushing for a larger share of seats, which may lead to contentious negotiations with the Congress and Left parties.
