The Congress Working Committee (CWC) met in Patna on Wednesday—its first meeting in the city since independence—as ally and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav released a video praising Tejashwi Yadav as the leader who could “restore Bihar to glory”. The video was widely interpreted as a pitch for Tejashwi to be projected as the opposition alliance’s chief ministerial face.
The Congress, however, has stopped short of making any such announcement. The lack of endorsement has caused unease within sections of the grand alliance and invited barbs from the BJP, which circulated a spoof video depicting Tejashwi waiting endlessly for Congress’ approval.
Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, briefing the media after the CWC meeting, avoided commenting directly. He said the discussions were focused on the organisational matters of the Congress and that the chief ministerial question would be addressed during alliance talks. Earlier, party spokesperson Alka Lamba had struck a similar note.
In the 2020 assembly elections, Tejashwi was projected as the alliance’s leader, while Congress contested 70 seats but secured only 19, hampering the RJD’s prospects of forming the government. This time, the Congress is emphasising rebuilding its grassroots presence in Bihar, which was once its stronghold before Mandal politics reshaped the state’s political landscape.
Emulating Telangana model?
The choice of Patna as the CWC venue mirrors the strategy adopted in Telangana, where a similar session in Hyderabad preceded the party’s return to power in the state.
Rahul Gandhi’s recent Vote Adhikar Yatra, held in protest against revisions to the electoral rolls, has energised party workers. With support from the RJD and leaders from other INDIA bloc parties, the campaign broadened beyond the grand alliance to acquire a national character.
Congress leaders have indicated that the issue of the chief ministerial face will only be taken up after seat-sharing negotiations. The RJD, however, is pressing for an early endorsement, arguing that delays undermine Tejashwi’s position.
Responding to queries on the hesitation, Congress leader Pawan Khera said, “We are contesting on issues. Faces are in front of you. All is known to everyone. You are asking a question, to which the answer is already known.” Asked why the party, which had supported Tejashwi in 2020, was holding back this time, he added: “When the Sun is shining bright in the sky, you do not need to declare it.”
Khera also rejected suggestions by NDA leaders such as Union Minister Chirag Paswan that the Patna meeting was a show of strength aimed at alliance partners. “There is no show of strength among brothers,” he said.
Wooing the EBCs
By evening, Tejashwi Yadav attended a convention organised for the extremely backward classes (EBCs) by the Congress. The event underscored the alliance’s attempt to woo a constituency that has previously backed Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
The opposition bloc laid out a series of promises for EBCs, including a separate law to prevent atrocities, increasing reservation in panchayats and urban bodies from 20 per cent to 30 per cent, moving laws that breach the 50 per cent quota cap into the Ninth Schedule, providing land to all landless EBC, SC, ST and OBC families, reserving 50 per cent of government contracts worth up to Rs 25 crore for these communities, and setting up a Reservation Regulatory Authority to oversee caste quotas, with changes subject only to legislative approval.
While the NDA alliance is wooing the voters with sops and freebies, the grand alliance is making promises to specific groups eyeing an opportunity to enrope more caste groups into its kitty. The Bihar elections are expected to be a significant test of opposition unity, with the outcome likely to carry implications for national politics.
Highlights of the CWC in Patna
* The extended CWC was held at Sadaqat Ashram, a historic Congress office linked to the freedom struggle. Presided over by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, it was attended by Rahul Gandhi, CWC members and PCC presidents. Two resolutions were adopted.
* The party reviewed progress on the Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan for organisational strengthening. Leaders said 144 District Congress Committee presidents have been appointed, with PCC presidents and general secretaries deployed as district observers. Appointments at block, mandal and booth levels will follow.
* Building on the Vote Adhikar Yatra, Congress announced three new programmes: night marches at district headquarters; state-level rallies; and a month-long signature campaign targeting 50 million signatories on questions to the Election Commission.