With the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 approaching, political activities in the state have gained momentum. The Congress party, a key player in the state’s political landscape, is evaluating its position and alliance strategy. Senior Congress leader Tariq Anwar, in an exclusive conversation with live cities, shared insights about the party’s preparations, challenges, and the road ahead.
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Congress’s Stand in Bihar Politics
Tariq Anwar addressed the speculations surrounding internal changes in the Bihar Congress. He clarified that there are no immediate changes in leadership or strategy. The party remains focused on strengthening its organization ahead of the elections.
He also referred to a recent Congress Working Committee meeting, where national president Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized the need for restructuring the organization. Anwar stated that the discussions were not specific to Bihar but were part of a broader national strategy.
Will Congress Contest Alone or Stay in Alliance with RJD?
One of the biggest questions ahead of the Bihar elections is whether Congress will contest alone or remain in alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Tariq Anwar acknowledged that at this point, it is difficult for Congress to go solo.
“If we had planned to contest alone, preparations should have started immediately after the last Assembly elections. With only six months left, it is challenging to make such a move,” he explained. Anwar emphasized that contesting separately requires a strong organizational base, which takes time to build.
Seat-Sharing Talks Yet to Begin
In the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, Congress contested 70 seats as part of the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) but managed to win only 19. This underperformance led to internal criticism, as many believed Congress was a weak link in the alliance.
This time, Congress aims to secure at least as many seats as in the previous elections, if not more. However, seat-sharing discussions with RJD and other allies have not yet started. Anwar expressed hope that Congress will be allotted a fair number of seats, emphasizing that the party should contest in constituencies where it has a strong presence.
“We should focus on seats where our organization is strong and where our chances of winning are higher,” he added.
Congress’s Dependence on RJD: Myth or Reality?
Critics often allege that Congress follows RJD’s lead in Bihar, raising concerns about its independent decision-making. Responding to these claims, Anwar dismissed the notion that Congress operates under RJD’s influence.
“Yes, our state president has good relations with Lalu Prasad Yadav, but that doesn’t mean Congress takes orders from RJD. Decisions are made based on political realities and party interests,” he clarified.
He also pointed out that in previous elections, decisions regarding candidate selection, alliances, and campaign strategies were taken collectively, keeping in mind the larger objective of defeating the NDA.
The Role of Youth in Bihar Congress
One of the major challenges for Congress in Bihar is the lack of strong youth leadership. Unlike other parties, Congres
s has struggled to develop young leaders with statewide appeal. Anwar attributed this to the party being out of power in Bihar for nearly three decades.
“When a party is in the opposition for a long time, its organizational strength weakens. However, Congress still has a significant support
base in Bihar,” he said. He stressed the need to empower young leaders and involve them in party activities to build a stronger future.
Can Congress Strengthen Its Base in Bihar?
Despite the challenges, Anwar remains optimistic about Congress’s prospects. He believes that if party leaders and workers unite, Congress can emerge stronger in Bihar.
“We need collective efforts to strengthen our organization. Every leader and worker should contribute to building a robust party structure,” he asserted.
Anwar acknowledged that the road to revival is not easy, but with the right strategy and dedicated efforts, Congress can reclaim its lost ground in Bihar politics.
What Lies Ahead for Bihar Congress?
As Bihar heads towards the crucial 2025 Assembly elections, Congress faces multiple challenges. The party must decide whether to contest independently or remain in the Mahagathbandhan. Strengthening its organizational base, finalizing seat-sharing agreements, and mobilizing youth leadership are key tasks ahead.
With only a few months left, the coming days will determine whether Congress can position itself as a formidable force in Bihar or continue to struggle under the shadow of its allies. The political landscape remains dynamic, and all eyes are on Congress’s next move.
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