Patna: What initially seemed like a confident Congress ready to fight the Bihar Assembly elections independently has gradually shifted, with the party reportedly agreeing to contest 58 seats within the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance), down from its earlier demand for 100.
Congress Bihar in-charge had initially signaled that the party was aiming for a substantial share and a strong role in the alliance. However, after extensive negotiations with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and discussions led by party veteran Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress appears to have scaled back its demands significantly. In 2020, Congress contested 70 seats but won only 19, giving it a strike rate of 27%.
The party’s earlier push on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, alleging deletion of names of Dalits and minorities, initially positioned Congress as attempting to carve out an independent narrative. But when Election Commission data showed that the deletions were part of normal procedures, the issue lost political traction. Congress’s space to assert itself outside RJD shrank, reinforcing the reality that RJD’s core voter base among Yadavs, Muslims, and other backward communities remains solid.
Other factors influencing Congress’s reduced seat demand include the emergence of Prashant Kishor-led Jan Suraj Party (JSP) as a third option in Bihar politics. JSP’s focus on governance, employment, migration, and education reforms is attracting youth, urban, and middle-class voters—traditionally Congress supporters—further limiting Congress’s bargaining power.
The increase in the number of smaller allies in the Mahagathbandhan this election cycle also played a role. Parties such as the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) now demand representation, forcing Congress to accept fewer seats to maintain alliance unity. As the largest party in the alliance, RJD naturally seeks more seats, leaving Congress with limited room to negotiate.
According to reports in The Indian Express, of the 17 seats Congress plans to contest in the upcoming elections, 15 are incumbents, while two remain on hold. The party may replace some candidates or exchange certain seats with RJD to maintain alliance balance. In the 2020 elections, two sitting Congress MLAs had rebelled and are expected to contest on BJP tickets this time, further complicating Congress’s prospects.
In summary, Congress has pragmatically reduced its seat demand from 100 to 58 to stay relevant within the Mahagathbandhan, secure winnable seats, and counter the challenges posed by new political entrants and alliance dynamics.
