Delhi | In the crucial phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, the conspicuous absence of the Gandhi family — particularly Rahul Gandhi — from the campaign trail has triggered political speculation and anxiety within the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance). While Rahul appeared active in the early phase of the campaign, his silence and physical distance in recent weeks have led to questions about Congress’s commitment to the alliance.
Initially, several top Congress leaders addressed rallies, boosting morale and projecting the alliance’s collective vision. However, as polling dates approached, the once-visible Gandhi family — Rahul, Sonia, and Priyanka — vanished from Bihar’s political scene. Sources suggest that Rahul has not only distanced himself from the state but also from Congress’s Bihar leadership, indicating deeper political realignments at play.
Congress is contesting around 55–60 seats as part of the Mahagathbandhan, led by Tejashwi Yadav. The seat-sharing deal had sparked internal discontent, with Congress receiving fewer seats than expected — a sign of its diminished influence in the state’s political landscape.
Analysts point to multiple reasons behind Rahul Gandhi’s withdrawal. One, as the campaign intensified, the NDA’s cohesive leadership, backed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity and aggressive outreach by the BJP and JD(U), began overshadowing the opposition. The Grand Alliance appeared fragmented, prompting Rahul to limit his visibility to avoid being held responsible in case of a defeat. By stepping back, he allows Tejashwi Yadav and local leaders to take center stage — and potentially, the blame.
Another factor is the Congress’s weak ground network in Bihar, which has eroded over two decades. Unlike in states such as Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh, the Gandhis’ political appeal remains limited here. A high-profile Gandhi campaign could have inadvertently turned the election into a “Modi versus Rahul” contest — something the Congress clearly wants to avoid, given the BJP’s national strength.
The absence of Gandhi family members, however, has demoralized Congress candidates and workers. Local leaders expected Rahul or Priyanka to campaign vigorously to energize the cadre and attract media attention. Without that, several candidates feel isolated in their constituencies. Political observers argue that the Congress’s retreat signals a tactical but risky attempt to shield Rahul Gandhi’s image from another potential electoral setback ahead of the 2026 Lok Sabha polls.
Some strategists believe this distancing is deliberate — a way to keep Bihar a regional battle, avoiding national polarization that could favor the BJP. Yet, this cautious approach risks weakening the Grand Alliance’s cohesion and voter enthusiasm.
In essence, Rahul Gandhi’s absence reflects Congress’s defensive electoral strategy — staying fully involved when prospects look bright, and retreating when defeat looms large. Whether this pragmatism protects Rahul’s image or damages the Grand Alliance’s chances, only the final results will tell.
