Why Congress focuses more on Gujarat than poll-bound Bihar

The Congress party is apparently seen to be focusing on Gujarat more than the election-bound state of Bihar. Its approach stems from its long-term goal of challenging the dominant BJP's stronghold state where it has been out of power for decades.

 

In contrast, Congress's upcoming electoral battle in Bihar is constrained by its marginal role in the Mahagathbandhan. Added to it is the past reliance on RJD making it a secondary fiddle in the state. Therefore, the topline leaders of Congress find Bihar less urgent for high-profile interventions. 

 

Also, the reason for Congress's high command seeking less indulgence in Bihar’s 2025 elections is that the polls there demand alliance-driven pragmatism over independent assertion. "The RJD is the natural leader of our alliance. It has popularity. It has a widespread grassroots foundation. So the Congress will follow the strategy contrived by the RJD. Therefore, involvement of central leadership is less required," a Congress leader said.

 

Since Congress is the principal opposition party in Gujarat and has a well-established political infrastructure across the state (although weakened), it offers the grand old party a chance to rebuild its image and organisation. Not only at the state level but also in the national political space. Also, with a longer timeline the assembly elections are slated for 2027. 

 

Senior Congress leaders think that if the party can shake the saffron camp's political fortress (Gujarat), from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah belong, "the Congress can put the saffron camp in a tizzy which can subsequently reduce the dominance of BJP nationally," a senior Congress leader said. 

 

Party's chief spokesperson, Gujarat, Manish Doshi told THE WEEK, "We acknowledge that there are shortcomings within our organisation, and we must emerge stronger. At present, we lack that required strength, which is why we've initiated the process of district-level appointments. This year is dedicated to organisational rebuilding, and we are moving forward with a positive and determined momentum."

 

Moreover, the party’s narrative of BJP’s “fear” in Gujarat may be more about rallying its base than reflecting ground realities, given the BJP’s dominance in the state. In Bihar, the Congress’s subdued presence could cede further ground to regional players if it fails to assert its relevance within the INDIA bloc. Balancing these priorities will be crucial for the party’s revival.

 

For now, according to a Congress office bearer, the visits from Rahul Gandhi have pumped fresh momentum into the cadre and sourced cadre enthusiasm to a great extent. "We would try to keep this momentum alive until the Gujarat assembly elections. That is the plan," a Congress leader said. 

India