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The political landscape of Bihar is once again under intense scrutiny as the state prepares for another round of elections. Tejashwi Yadav, the de facto leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), recently met with Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge and leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi, signaling a crucial juncture in the ongoing alliance dynamics between the two parties. This meeting wasn't merely a routine consultation; it was a stark acknowledgment of past electoral failures and a determined effort to recalibrate their strategy for the upcoming polls. The shadow of the 2020 Bihar assembly elections loomed large, where the RJD-Congress-CPI(ML) alliance narrowly missed securing a simple majority in the 243-member legislative assembly. The RJD, despite emerging as the single-largest party, failed to form the government, with much of the blame attributed to the Congress's lackluster performance, winning only 19 of the 70 seats allocated to them. In contrast, the RJD secured 75 of the 144 seats it contested, and the CPI(ML) won 12 of their 19 seats, highlighting the disparity in electoral success within the alliance. Tejashwi's visit to Delhi was driven by a clear message: the Congress needed to learn from its past missteps and finalize a seat-sharing arrangement that accurately reflects the electoral realities of Bihar. The RJD-led coalition is acutely aware of the challenges ahead, especially considering the 2024 Lok Sabha election results, which revealed that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) maintained a lead in over 170 of the 243 assembly segments. While parliamentary and state polls differ, the implication is undeniable: the RJD and Congress face a formidable task in regaining lost ground and presenting a credible alternative to the incumbent NDA government.
For the RJD, the path forward involves a two-pronged approach. First and foremost, the party must expand its support base beyond its traditional stronghold of Muslim and Yadav voters. This requires delicate negotiations and a revitalized grassroots campaign, particularly at a time when the traditional electoral calculus is undergoing significant shifts. The RJD needs to demonstrate its ability to appeal to a broader spectrum of caste groups and communities, showcasing a commitment to inclusive governance and addressing the diverse needs of the state's population. This involves identifying key issues that resonate with different segments of society and crafting a compelling narrative that positions the RJD as a champion of social justice and economic development. Secondly, the RJD must strengthen its organizational structure and ensure effective coordination among its various wings and departments. This includes enhancing its cadre base, improving its communication strategy, and building strong relationships with community leaders and influencers. The party needs to be proactive in addressing the concerns of its supporters and mobilizing them to participate in the electoral process. Meanwhile, the Congress faces its own set of challenges in Bihar. Long perceived as a trailing force in the state's politics, the Congress has struggled to regain its former prominence since its heyday ended in 1990. The party is often seen as relying on the fortunes of regional players like the RJD, rather than carving out its own independent identity and agenda. However, recent efforts by Rahul Gandhi, including multiple visits to Bihar, and strategic moves, such as appointing Dalit leader Rajesh Kumar as president of the Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee, suggest a renewed determination to reassert the party's relevance.
The Congress's recent 'Palayan Roko, Naukri Do' (Stop Migration, Give Jobs) Yatra is a notable example of its efforts to engage with the youth of Bihar and address the issue of migration. This initiative aims to provide young people with opportunities for employment and economic advancement within the state, reducing the need for them to seek livelihoods elsewhere. The party is also actively reaching out to OBCs and Dalits, recognizing the importance of these communities in shaping electoral outcomes. While the real impact of these efforts remains to be seen, it is evident that the Congress is making a concerted effort to learn from its past errors and adapt to the evolving political landscape of Bihar. The challenges faced by the RJD and Congress are further compounded by entrenched political loyalties. Despite persistent rumors surrounding Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's health, his hold over the Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) remains largely intact. This steadfast constituency has long been the bedrock of his support, and its loyalty poses a significant obstacle to any electoral realignment. In a state where demographic allegiances have historically shaped electoral outcomes, Nitish's enduring influence cannot be ignored. The meeting between RJD and Congress leaders in Delhi was not solely about apportioning seats; it was an implicit acknowledgement that both parties must overcome the inertia of past electoral failures. The painful lessons of 2020, when the Congress's dismal electoral performance was seen as dragging down the grand alliance, serve as a stark reminder of the need for a more coordinated and effective approach.
The mixed results of the Lok Sabha elections last year further underscore the challenges ahead. It is clear that the alliance has resolved not to let bygone mistakes dictate its future, even as the NDA's extensive lead in key segments looms ominously. In these challenging times, both the RJD and Congress are compelled to reimagine their strategies if they are to play a decisive role in shaping Bihar's future. They must convince an electorate that is increasingly disillusioned by decades of predictable politics. The RJD and Congress need to present a compelling vision for the future of Bihar, one that addresses the pressing issues of poverty, unemployment, and social inequality. They must demonstrate their ability to deliver on their promises and build a state that is more equitable and prosperous for all its citizens. As the alliance gears up for another electoral battle, the stakes are high: reform internal dynamics, broaden appeal across caste lines, and emerge as a credible alternative to a status quo that many believe has failed Bihar. The RJD-Congress partnership now faces additional challenges from the electorate's changing composition. For the RJD, a critical objective is to expand its support beyond its traditional Muslim-Yadav base, penetrating further into other caste blocs. This maneuver is vital in a state where such divisions remain deeply entrenched. At the same time, Nitish's EBC base appears largely intact, posing a significant obstacle to any electoral realignment. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, yet the renewed resolve among these erstwhile sidelined giants may well set the stage for a dramatic electoral turnaround.
With a history of missed opportunities and lessons painfully learned, Tejashwi's meeting with Rahul and Kharge represents both a reckoning with the past and a bold step towards reshaping the future of their alliance. The success of this alliance will depend on their ability to overcome internal divisions, forge a common agenda, and connect with the aspirations of the people of Bihar. The RJD and Congress must demonstrate that they are capable of providing effective governance and addressing the challenges facing the state. The article highlights several key areas where the RJD and Congress need to focus their efforts in order to improve their electoral prospects in Bihar. These include: Expanding their support base beyond their traditional vote banks, particularly among other caste groups and communities. Strengthening their organizational structure and improving coordination among their various wings and departments. Developing a compelling vision for the future of Bihar that addresses the pressing issues of poverty, unemployment, and social inequality. Effectively communicating their message to the electorate and engaging with voters at the grassroots level. Overcoming internal divisions and forging a common agenda that reflects the interests of all stakeholders. By addressing these challenges and working together effectively, the RJD and Congress can increase their chances of success in the upcoming elections and play a more significant role in shaping the future of Bihar. The article also underscores the importance of learning from past mistakes and adapting to the evolving political landscape. The RJD and Congress need to be flexible and adaptable in their approach, and they must be willing to adjust their strategies as circumstances change. They also need to be transparent and accountable to the people of Bihar, and they must be willing to listen to their concerns and address their needs.
Source: How Tejashwi gave Rahul, Kharge a Bihar poll reality check