The Congress-RJD-led opposition is campaigning ceaselessly against the BJP in Bihar. Both the parties are seen mutually backing each other in their political narratives, as well as the cadre support. The relationship, earlier marred by turf wars and one-upmanship, is witnessing rare coordination at the organisational level to prop up the Mahagathbandhan, establishing it as a consolidated front against the saffron camp ahead of the 2025 assembly elections.
At the heart of it is the "vote chori" slogan coined by Rahul Gandhi at the national stage after he presented the data-based numbers pointing towards possible electoral fraud. This has not only resonated well with the opposition leaders but also with the opposition voters who are strongly backing the Mahagathbandhan.
Congress spokesperson Gyan Ranjan said, "INDIA alliance has a leader, a policy and an intention for Bihar’s people."
"Apart from preparing all its decisions together, INDIA alliance is also working together on the ground," Ranjan said, adding, "due to this, a different kind of enthusiasm and unity is visible among the leaders and workers in the entire state, which will directly benefit the alliance in the elections."
The coordination is well visible throughout the Voter Adhikar Yatra, where alliance leaders are seen sharing platforms seeking votes for each other on a common theme—'democracy is under threat' and that 'EC is not transparent'.
In one of the rallies, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said, "Votes are being stolen and it was revealed by Rahul ji. Therefore, you have to support him to protect the democracy."
There were persistent murmurs within the Congress circles in the past about Yadav being hesitant to let the Congress gain space in Bihar as it would threaten his political space and shrink his influence, but now such a thought seems to have vanished. Sources in both parties confirm that joint rallies are being planned in more than 15 districts to impress the electorate by informing them how the vote fraud has happened, so that they can be part of protecting the democracy.
Moreover, the groups of RJD workers don't hesitate to chant "Rahul Gandhi zindabad," showing a deeper alignment and sense of respect for the alliance partner.
What goes against the BJP is the Prashant Kishor's political storyline, which is more seen to be damaging the ruling camp than the opposition. Experts believe that a fraction of the backward castes clearly appear confused about whether to vote for Nitish Kumar this time. Such a confusion can turn them into potential voters for the Mahagathbandhan. There appears to be a growing affinity towards the RJD as people hold the Lalu Prasad's party in high regard after Nitish Kumar's JDU.
Whether this rare unity of opposition bloc will translate into seats remains to be seen. Nonetheless, they appear to have succeeded in one critical task: putting the BJP on the defensive months ahead of the Bihar elections.