In a crucial political action in the run-up to the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, the Congress formally announced that it will fight the elections in alliance with other parties as a constituent of the INDIA Bloc.
The matter was settled in a high-profile meeting presided over by Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday. Present were prominent party members, Rahul Gandhi, and prominent Congress leaders of Bihar.
Bihar Congress Announces Alliance Strategy
Addressing the media in New Delhi, Bihar Congress President Rajesh Kumar reiterated the party's position, highlighting the integrity of the alliance in the state.
"The Congress will contest the Bihar Assembly elections under the banner of the INDIA Bloc. In contrast to some other states, our alliance is intact here, and our main objective is to defeat the BJP coalition. The BJP is still our primary opponent in Bihar," Kumar said.
Seat-Sharing and Leadership Discussions
While the Congress has strengthened its alliance with the INDIA Bloc, seat-sharing talks have not been conducted yet.
"It is too premature to discuss seat allocation. When the elections come near, our leaders will consult and decide the formula," Rajesh Kumar made clear.
Even though the RJD has already nominated Tejashwi Yadav as the Mahagathbandhan's Chief Ministerial candidate, Congress leaders said that the final decision would be taken only after consulting all the alliance partners.
"The selection of the Chief Minister candidate will be made jointly by all members of the INDIA Bloc," Congress in-charge Krishna Allavaru said.
Speculations surrounding Prashant Kishor and Pappu Yadav
When queried about political strategist Prashant Kishor's possible induction into the INDIA Bloc, Allavaru kept mum.
"A decision will be made after discussions among the allies," he said.
In relation to the role of Pappu Yadav, Allavaru once again stated the overall goal of the alliance.
"INDIA Bloc is open to anyone who opposes the BJP," he said.
A United Opposition Against BJP?
The session was witnessed by a number of top Bihar Congress leaders, including former state president Akhilesh Singh, former minister Ramjatan Sinha, and Shakeel Ahmed.
With this declaration, rumors of a divide between the RJD and Congress appear to have subsided, affirming the solidarity of the alliance. As the 2025 Bihar Assembly polls draw near, the INDIA Bloc's unity could be the deciding factor in putting up a robust challenge to the BJP-led alliance.
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