The political arena in Bihar is heating up as all major parties gear up for the upcoming Assembly elections. The Congress party, a significant constituent of the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance), has also intensified its preparations, officially releasing a list of 40 star campaigners. This high-profile list features top party leaders including Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Other prominent figures like K. C. Venugopal, Ashok Gehlot, Meira Kumar, Gaurav Gogoi, Kanhaiya Kumar, and Pawan Khera are also slated to hit the campaign trail, aiming to sway voters in favor of the alliance.
Rahul and Priyanka to Join Campaign Post-Chhath
Despite the release of the star campaigners list, Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi had not yet commenced their campaign in Bihar, leading to speculation. However, the Congress has now clarified its strategy, announcing that the party's election momentum will. Importantly pick up after the auspicious Chhath Mahaparv, with Rahul Gandhi's arrival in the state. K. C. Venugopal, Congress General Secretary (Organisation), confirmed that Rahul Gandhi will be in Bihar on October 29 and 30. Extensive preparations are also underway for rallies involving Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and party president Mallikarjun Kharge, among other senior leaders, while this indicates a clear shift, with Rahul Gandhi and other Congress stalwarts set to accelerate their election campaigning within the next 24 to 48 hours.
Challenges and Internal Discord
The Mahagathbandhan in Bihar faced considerable friction over seat-sharing in the initial stages of election preparations. On several constituencies, alliance partners fielded candidates against each other, raising questions about the coalition's unity, while while efforts were made through meetings and discussions to project a united front, some Mahagathbandhan members are still contesting against each other. Plus, within the Congress party itself, protests erupted against the state president over ticket distribution, highlighting internal challenges. Despite these hurdles, it remains to be seen how effectively. Congress can control the damage through its upcoming campaign blitz.
Election Schedule and Key Contest
Prior to the election announcement, Rahul Gandhi, alongside Tejashwi Yadav, had conducted a 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar. During this tour, Rahul had launched strong attacks on the government, leveling serious allegations of 'vote theft. ' However, the government vehemently dismissed these accusations as baseless. BJP leaders countered by stating that Rahul Gandhi was making unfounded claims against the Election Commission, thereby questioning its credibility. It was during this same tour that Rahul also introduced the 'SIR' (Selfish, Incompetent, Rejected) narrative, which garnered significant political discourse.
After the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra,' Rahul Gandhi had not returned to Bihar, prompting opposition leaders to question his foreign trips at a crucial time, while now, with his campaign dates confirmed, the specific constituencies he will visit for campaigning are yet to be finalized. The Bihar elections are scheduled in two phases: the first phase of voting will take place on November 6, followed by the second phase on November 11, while the results will be declared on November 14. The primary contest in this election is widely anticipated to be between the Mahagathbandhan and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Congress, leveraging its star campaigners, aims to make a significant impact in this crucial electoral battle.
