Post-independence until the late 1980s, Congress dominated Bihar's politics, only to be ousted by the rise of Mandal politics. Now, after three and a half decades, Congress is attempting to revive its lost support, with both Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi actively engaging in this mission.
Alongside Tejashwi Yadav, Rahul Gandhi is traversing Bihar's streets via the 'Voter Rights March.' Rahul adopts a distinctively local approach, engaging with the populace while riding a bullet, stepping into fields to converse with farmers, and wrapping a traditional scarf around his neck to connect with Bihar natives.
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In Bihar, Rahul Gandhi is creating new connections with the people in innovative ways, energizing Congress leaders and workers. The pertinent question remains: Can Rahul Gandhi conclude Bihar's 35-year political drought for Congress with his 'Voter Rights March'?
Rahul Gandhi's Unique Approach in Bihar
Rahul Gandhi commenced his 16-day 'Voter Rights March' from Sasaram, Bihar, on August 17. This march will culminate in Patna on September 1. As their journey progresses, Rahul immerses himself in local culture. Throughout his two-week journey, he wholeheartedly wins hearts with his authentic local style. Additionally, he invites people whose names have been struck off the voter list onto his stage to address the audience, often seen waving a traditional scarf while engaging the crowd.
Source: aajtak
The enthusiasm among those listening to Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav is palpable. Rahul Gandhi targets the Election Commission and BJP, directly or indirectly. Congress workers, adorned with tri-colors and party flags, march with Rahul, despite the intense heat and humidity, shouting slogans instilling vigor, making the political atmosphere in Bihar thoroughly Congress-centric.
The Roadmap of Rahul Gandhi's Journey
The 'Voter Rights March' by Rahul Gandhi is planned to cover 23 districts and a journey of 1300 kilometers, starting from Sasaram and passing through Aurangabad, Gaya, Nalanda, Nawada, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, Munger, Bhagalpur, Purnia, Katihar, Araria, Supaul, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Bettiah, Gopalganj, Siwan, Chhapra, Ara to finally reach Patna.
Strategically, this roadmap takes Rahul through what is considered an NDA stronghold, crossing BJP, JDU, and LJP terrain before proceeding through Muslim-majority areas in Seemanchal, further into Mithilanchal, and then via Bhojpur to reach Patna. Thus, since initiating on August 17 from Sasaram, this march has stirred Bihar's political landscape substantially.
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Rahul Gandhi and especially Tejashwi Yadav of the RJD, along with the India Bloc leaders, have raised the issue of alleged irregularities and 'vote theft' loud and clear, heating Bihar's political climate. The impact of the march is evident in rural Bihar. With swelling crowds of youth and women in regions from Sasaram to Siwan, Congress gains new momentum. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra played a notable role during her two-day visit, especially focusing on women voters in Supaul and Sitamarhi.
Will the March Impact Social Engineering?
Rahul Gandhi launched the 'Voter Rights March' from the Dalit stronghold of Sasaram. Leaders like Babu Jagjivan Ram and his daughter Meira Kumar hailed from here. Much like Muslims, Dalits have traditionally been a significant vote bank for Congress in Bihar. In Mithilanchal, Priyanka Gandhi joined Rahul in garnering support.
Source: aajtak
Mithila, dominated by Brahmins, once saw considerable political sway during Congress's era, with figures like Jagannath Mishra and Bhagwat Azad Jha. After Congress's exit from power, no Brahmin ascended as Chief Minister, thus signaling Congress's efforts to regain its traditional Brahmin vote bank.
Rahul Gandhi's march rallies Dalits, backward classes, and minority voters, claiming 65 lakh voter names were removed, many poor or Dalit. This issue can impact BJP's rural and young voter base. BJP counters with Nitish Kumar and PM Modi's development model, yet Rahul's march challenges their Hindutva stance, notably after Priyanka's visit to Janaki Temple. Accordingly, the march reshapes political assumptions. Can Congress restore its previous stature in Bihar?
Will Congress End the 35-Year Drought?
For decades post-independence, Bihar witnessed Congress's hegemony. However, political shifts in the 1990s toppled it from power, progressively weakening its stature. Examining the last three Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, it's evident that Congress continues to struggle in Bihar.
In 20 years, Congress hasn't crossed the 10% voter share in Bihar. During the 2010 elections, it secured just 4 seats, with an 8.37% vote share. By the 2015 election, contesting 41 seats, Congress won 27, yet its vote share dropped to 6.66%. In 2020, the share increased to 9.48%, winning 19 seats, still failing to surpass 10%.
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Similarly, over the last three Lok Sabha elections, Congress made negligible progress in Bihar. In 2014, it secured 2 seats with an 8.6% vote share. By 2019, it achieved only 1 seat, with a drop to 7.9% in vote share. Even after the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra,' Congress showed no significant impact, winning 3 seats in the 2024 elections with a 9.4% vote share, resorting to alliances with RJD to maintain its political presence.
Will the 35-Year Wait End by 2025?
Post the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi realized Congress's weakened state in Bihar, winning only 3 seats. Consequently, he initiated strategic political exercises, aiming to bolster Congress while maintaining the RJD alliance, to gain prominence autonomously.
Source: aajtak
Before the 2025 election, Congress made strategic changes, appointing Rajesh Ram, from a Dalit community, as the state president, replacing Akhilesh Prasad from the Bhumihar community. Rahul aligned his close ally Krishna Allavaru as the Bihar in charge, alongside Sushil Pasi from a Dalit background as co-in-charge and appointed Shahnawaz Alam in a similar role. Additionally, political figures like Kanhaiya Kumar and Pappu Yadav energized the political atmosphere, with Rahul stepping into Bihar's political battlefield right before the elections.
The enthusiasm from the 'Voter Rights March' post the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' is evident among state leaders and workers, drawing crowds. What impact Rahul Gandhi’s march will have on the Bihar assembly elections and whether Congress ends its 35-year political drought, remains to be seen in the election results. However, Rahul has undoubtedly stirred the political waters in Bihar, causing agitation within both BJP and JDU camps.
