The 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections have resulted in a crushing defeat for the Congress party, prompting serious questions about its leadership, strategy, and connection with the electorate. The BJP-led NDA is projected to secure a decisive victory, leaving the Mahagathbandhan trailing significantly. This outcome underscores a deeper crisis within the Congress, extending beyond mere seat tallies to encompass fundamental issues of organizational strength and public perception.
One of the primary factors contributing to Congress's poor performance is a perceived leadership vacuum. Critics point to a reluctance among top leaders to lead from the front, leaving workers demoralized and without clear direction. The party's campaign lacked a cohesive narrative and failed to resonate with the key concerns of Bihar's voters. In contrast, the NDA, led by Nitish Kumar, presented a united front, capitalizing on Kumar's experience and established political presence.
Adding to the leadership woes, the Congress's organizational structure in Bihar appears weak. The party lacks a strong mass base and has struggled to rebuild its presence since its last Chief Minister demitted office in 1990. This absence of a robust grassroots network hampered the party's ability to effectively mobilize voters and convey its message. Internal squabbles and a failure to present a united front further weakened the Mahagathbandhan's overall appeal.
The Congress's attempt to frame the election narrative around alleged "vote chori" and the Election Commission of India's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls seemingly failed to gain traction with the public. Despite Rahul Gandhi's "Voter Adhikar Yatra," this issue did not resonate with voters as a primary concern. Instead, hyperlocal issues and the NDA's focus on governance and development appeared to hold greater sway.
Moreover, the Congress's social engineering gamble with the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) did not yield the desired results. The Mahagathbandhan's attempt to consolidate its social base faltered, while the NDA managed to make inroads into traditional opposition strongholds. A surge in women voting also significantly benefitted the JD(U), contributing to the NDA's overall victory.
The Bihar election results highlight a persistent decline of the Congress in the state. The party's conversion rate of contested seats to wins was notably weak, reflecting a diminishing presence and struggle for relevance. Once a dominant force in Bihar, the Congress now finds itself marginalized, often relegated to third or fourth place in many constituencies.
In the aftermath of the crushing defeat, Congress leaders have targeted the Election Commission, alleging bias and questioning the fairness of the electoral process. However, such reactions are viewed by some as a denial of the real problems plaguing the party. Instead of addressing the underlying issues of leadership, organization, and disconnect with voters, these accusations risk further alienating the electorate.
The Bihar results serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the Congress party. To revive its fortunes, the party needs to address its leadership crisis, strengthen its organizational base, and reconnect with the concerns of ordinary citizens. Without a comprehensive overhaul, the Congress risks further marginalization in Bihar's political landscape.
