Bihar Congress focused on issues like RJD’s ‘lack of respect’ and Chirag Paswan’s role.

The Bihar Congress has expressed growing concerns over its alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the political landscape in the state, particularly focusing on issues like the perceived ‘lack of respect’ by the RJD and the increasing influence of Chirag Paswan, the leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP). These concerns have been brewing among Congress leaders as they navigate the complex coalition dynamics in Bihar, a state where political alliances often shift rapidly, and where the Congress Party seeks to assert its role in the face of rising competition.

Tensions with RJD: A Question of Respect

One of the major issues for the Bihar Congress is the ongoing friction with the RJD, which has long been the dominant force in the state’s politics, particularly under the leadership of Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family. According to Congress leaders, their party has often been treated with a lack of respect by the RJD, especially when it comes to the sharing of power and influence in the state’s political arena.

Sources within the Bihar Congress have revealed that many party members feel sidelined in the coalition with RJD, particularly after the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections. In the run-up to the polls, the Congress had hoped for a stronger partnership with the RJD, but many Congress leaders now believe that their party’s contributions were underappreciated and that it has been treated more as a junior partner than an equal.

“There has been a consistent lack of respect towards the Congress from the RJD leadership,” said a senior Congress leader, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “We’ve worked hard, and yet, when it comes to decision-making, we’ve often found ourselves excluded or ignored.”

This frustration has intensified over the course of the coalition government’s tenure. While the RJD and Congress jointly campaigned in the 2020 Assembly elections, Congress leaders have found themselves at odds with the RJD over key policy issues, including the allocation of ministerial positions and influence over the state’s governance.

The Congress Party has expressed a desire for greater representation within the state government, citing that their support helped keep the ruling Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) in power. However, the Congress has found it difficult to secure significant positions in the government, a matter that has caused internal unrest.

Chirag Paswan’s Political Ambitions

Another point of contention within the Bihar Congress is the rise of Chirag Paswan and his growing influence on the state’s political narrative. Chirag Paswan, the leader of the LJP, has increasingly positioned himself as a challenger to both the RJD and BJP in the state. His party, initially seen as a regional player, has made significant strides in attracting attention, especially after he chose to take on the RJD in the 2020 Assembly elections.

Chirag Paswan’s shift toward a more independent political stance has raised alarms for the Congress, as the LJP has been attempting to carve out its own space in Bihar’s competitive political ecosystem. Paswan, who once supported the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), made headlines during the 2020 Bihar polls when he decided to run against the RJD-led Grand Alliance, including the Congress. The LJP’s decision to field candidates in key constituencies, traditionally considered strongholds of the RJD, further complicated the electoral prospects for the Grand Alliance.

Despite his limited success in terms of securing seats, Chirag Paswan’s bold move has unsettled the Congress. Party leaders have voiced concerns about his growing influence, fearing that Paswan’s strategies could erode Congress’s base in Bihar. In particular, the LJP’s appeal to the Dalit vote — a traditional stronghold of Congress — has caused some unease within the party.

Moreover, Paswan’s future political maneuvers could play a significant role in reshaping the political dynamics in Bihar, which is seen as a crucial state for both national and regional parties. The Congress has found itself caught between its historic ties with the Dalit community and the newer challenges posed by Paswan’s LJP, making it difficult for the party to maintain its influence in Bihar’s highly competitive political landscape.

The Road Ahead for Bihar Congress

As these tensions with the RJD and the rise of Chirag Paswan continue to dominate discussions within the Bihar Congress, the party must decide how to navigate this evolving political environment. Some Congress leaders have called for a reassessment of the alliance with the RJD, suggesting that the party could do better by forging new alliances or even considering independent campaigns in future elections.

At the same time, Congress is also facing pressure from its national leadership to strengthen its position in Bihar, especially as the state is a key player in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The party is under increasing pressure to demonstrate its relevance and regain political ground in a state where it has historically been an influential force.

To regain momentum, Congress may need to recalibrate its strategies and strengthen its grassroots connections. This includes addressing the concerns of its core support base and ensuring that it doesn’t lose ground to emerging political forces like the LJP. Additionally, it may need to make its voice heard more clearly within the current coalition government, asserting its role as a key player in the state’s political landscape.

Conclusion

The tensions between Bihar Congress, the RJD, and the rising influence of Chirag Paswan represent a critical juncture for the state’s political future. For the Congress, addressing the issues of respect within the coalition and responding to the challenge posed by Paswan’s ambitions will be key to maintaining its foothold in Bihar. The party will have to carefully navigate these challenges, balancing its relationships within the Grand Alliance while also keeping an eye on its long-term political objectives in the state.