The Congress Working Committee (CWC) convened a crucial meeting in Patna ahead of Bihar assembly elections. This was the first time since independence that such a gathering was held in Bihar. The meeting took place at the historic Sadaqat Ashram, a site closely linked with India’s freedom movement.

Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Salman Khurshid, and Sachin Pilot attended the meeting. Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were not present. Upon Rahul Gandhi’s arrival, the national flag was hoisted, marking the formal beginning of the session.

The Congress party has described this meeting as a turning point before the upcoming state elections. Leaders believe Bihar’s decision in 2025 could impact national politics.

Agenda of the Meeting

The CWC meeting focused on Bihar assembly elections, reservation policies, unemployment, and voter list issues. Leaders also debated national and international concerns, criticizing the central government’s policies.

Workers carried party flags as they welcomed leaders with enthusiasm. Local Congress units highlighted the importance of holding such a meeting in Bihar after decades. The decision aimed to energize grassroots cadres before the polls.

The event was positioned not only as a state-level preparation but also as part of a larger national strategy.

Kharge Calls Bihar Election a Milestone

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed the gathering and called Bihar’s election a milestone. He argued that the result would not only shape Bihar but also influence the entire nation.

Kharge attacked the ruling BJP and NDA alliance, calling their governance corrupt and divisive. He said the countdown of the Modi government’s rule would begin in Bihar. According to him, internal conflicts within the NDA have already surfaced.

He also stated that Nitish Kumar has been mentally retired by the BJP. He claimed that the BJP now considers Nitish Kumar a burden.

Criticism of Prime Minister Modi

Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel briefed the press about Kharge’s opening remarks. He criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, saying people are suffering due to poor economic policies.

Baghel said relations with neighboring countries have worsened, while promises of GST relief remain unfulfilled. He argued that GST only emptied the pockets of ordinary citizens.

Responding to questions on Tejashwi Yadav as a chief ministerial face, Baghel said the decision would be taken in Mahagathbandhan meetings. He emphasized that the CWC was focused on Congress’s internal agenda.

He also wished Nitish Kumar good health but pointed out the BJP’s questionable role in Bihar politics.

International Context and Modi’s Diplomacy

Kharge also referred to international issues during his address. He mentioned US President Donald Trump’s recent statements. He criticized Modi for calling Trump “my friend” while those same friends now place India in difficult situations.

According to Kharge, foreign policy failures have added to India’s troubles. He said that Modi’s government lacks effective diplomatic strategies.

Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on Historical Importance

Congress leader Amarinder Singh Raja Warring underlined the importance of holding CWC in Bihar. He recalled that Patna is the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He said he visited Patna Sahib before attending the meeting, seeking blessings and inspiration.

He described the meeting as a step towards writing new history for Congress. He emphasized that the issue of voter fraud has stirred anger nationwide. Rahul Gandhi has already raised this issue with evidence, gaining public support.

Warring said Bihar and Punjab share a deep bond. He added that people from Bihar contribute greatly to Punjab and other regions, strengthening unity.

Voter List Irregularities and Unemployment

The Congress leadership alleged serious irregularities in voter lists. Kharge said deliberate removal of names amounts to theft of democratic rights. He explained that this practice harms Dalits, tribals, backward classes, minorities, and the poor.

He compared voter fraud with theft of rations, pensions, medicines, and scholarships. He highlighted Rahul Gandhi’s “Voter Adhikar Yatra,” which spread awareness across Bihar.

Kharge reminded workers of the Ramgarh AICC session held 85 years ago. He said the Constitution was born from those ideas, giving every citizen the right to vote.

He also attacked the BJP for failing to provide two crore jobs annually, as promised. According to him, unemployment in Bihar has forced lakhs of youth to migrate every year.

Economic Concerns Raised

Kharge and other leaders highlighted India’s growing inequality. They said rural consumption is at its lowest in 50 years. Farmers’ incomes have not doubled, and protests against farm laws caused hundreds of deaths.

They criticized demonetization and faulty GST implementation for damaging the economy. They argued that Modi admitted mistakes only after eight years, while Congress had demanded corrections from day one.

Leaders also said inflation has made it impossible for citizens to spend more, despite Modi’s advice.

Bihar’s Local Issues

The meeting focused strongly on Bihar’s condition. Leaders said Bihar has one of the highest unemployment rates in India. Floods from rivers like Kosi and Gandak affect lakhs of people every year, yet flood management remains weak.

They accused the NDA government of neglecting promises about reviving the sugar industry. Despite repeated assurances, no concrete steps were taken.

Congress leaders also criticized law and order in Bihar. They claimed rising crime, teacher shortages in schools, and collapse of public healthcare reflect poor governance.

Reservation Debate

Reservation policies were another key issue at the meeting. Kharge asked why the government has not given constitutional protection to Bihar’s 65 percent reservation quota. He reminded that Congress provided similar protection to Tamil Nadu decades ago.

He accused the BJP of playing double standards on caste census and reservation. He criticized Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath for banning caste-based rallies while ignoring social injustice.

Congress leaders said caste census is necessary to ensure fair distribution of resources and justice for marginalized communities.

Statements from Other Leaders

Sachin Pilot said Bihar holds a special place in Indian politics. He expressed happiness that CWC was meeting in Patna after a long time. He said Congress would fight the election with full strength and win a majority.

Pilot added that people in Bihar want change, and Congress is ready to provide an alternative. He avoided direct comments on the chief ministerial face, saying that decision would be taken later in alliance meetings.

Workers’ Enthusiasm

The meeting drew enthusiastic responses from party workers. Many carried flags and chanted slogans. Local cadres said the meeting boosted their confidence ahead of elections.

The presence of top leaders in Patna was seen as recognition of Bihar’s political importance. Workers said they felt energized to take Congress’s message to the grassroots.

The CWC meeting in Patna has set the stage for Congress’s election strategy in Bihar. With Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and other leaders addressing key issues, the party signaled its intent to challenge the NDA strongly.

Discussions covered unemployment, reservation, voter list irregularities, economy, farmers’ issues, and governance failures. Leaders also linked Bihar’s election with the national fight against the Modi government.

The meeting revived historical memories of Congress’s presence in Bihar during the freedom movement. It also marked the party’s attempt to rebuild its base in the state.

As Bihar heads toward assembly elections later this year, the outcomes of this meeting will shape Congress’s campaign. For the party, this is not just about Bihar but about sending a national message.