NEW DELHI: High drama unfolded after a Congress meeting convened to discuss candidate selection for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, with party workers expressing strong discontent over the process. The primary grievance voiced was the perceived prioritization of candidates with familial ties to established leaders over grassroots workers, particularly the youth.
The Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting, chaired by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, concluded on Tuesday amidst visible dissatisfaction among a number of workers. One party worker alleged that the party was seeking "dummy candidates". This claim suggests a deeper concern that some candidates were not chosen for their merit or ability to win elections, but rather to serve other purposes, possibly to ensure certain seats remain within the control of specific factions or individuals within the party.
"We want youth leadership in Bikram Assembly...We do not want just the sons of leaders, the youth should get their rights," said National Students' Union of India's (NSUI) Sudhir Sharma. This statement encapsulates the core issue: a desire for greater representation of young, energetic leaders who have risen through the ranks, rather than individuals who primarily benefit from their family's political legacy.
Another party worker, demanding a ticket from Supaul assembly, echoed similar sentiments, stating, "They are looking for dummy candidates". This further reinforces the allegation of a flawed candidate selection process that favors certain individuals, potentially at the expense of more deserving and capable candidates.
Adding to the controversy, allegations surfaced regarding the treatment of women party workers during the campaign. One worker alleged that Congress leaders Krishna Allavaru and Rajesh Ram deceived women, making them “work hard and go door to door” during the campaign, only to deny them tickets in the end. The worker stated that, "It was said that those people who will be on the screening committee, those who will have their online application will be given tickets. But a few leaders like Krishna Allavaru and Rajesh Ram are making women work hard and go from door to door but cheating them at the end. The promise made by Rahul Gandhi, to honour the youth and…". This accusation points to a potential disconnect between the party's stated commitment to empowering women and the reality on the ground.
The controversy comes at a crucial time as the Congress party navigates seat-sharing negotiations within Bihar's RJD-led Mahagathbandhan. Tensions within the alliance have been palpable, with a poetic exchange between RJD's Manoj Jha and Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi reflecting the underlying strains. While Congress in-charge Krishna Allavaru has stressed that discussions are ongoing to ensure the alliance remains united and benefits Bihar, the internal strife over candidate selection could complicate these efforts.
Congress leader Manoj Kumar indicated that the seat-sharing announcement could come soon, expressing full faith in leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Lalu Yadav, and Tejashwi Yadav. He also highlighted the careful deliberations to avoid internal disputes.
The Bihar Assembly elections are expected to be fiercely contested, with the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) looking to leverage its governance record and the INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) bloc aiming to present a united alternative. In addition to the established political forces, Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj is also set to enter the fray, potentially adding complexity to the electoral dynamics. The infighting within the Congress party, as highlighted by the recent protests, could undermine the INDIA bloc's efforts to present a cohesive challenge to the NDA.
