Implications of Rahul Gandhi’s Statement: Congress Signals Defeat Ahead of Bihar Polls
Army Reservation Comments Prove Politically Costly
By Ritesh Sinha
The Congress party finds itself in disarray ahead of the Bihar elections, with grassroots workers and local leaders expressing overt disappointment following a ticket distribution process marred by backroom bargaining and horse-trading. High-profile national observers—including Ashok Gehlot, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, and Bhupesh Baghel—became notably absent from field activities, remaining confined to luxury hotels. Avinash Pandey, tasked with overseeing Bihar’s campaign operations, faced resistance and rejection from party members. His subsequent outreach to senior leaders, accompanied by his mentor Subodh Kumar, did little to galvanize campaign participation, as most cited personal limitations or declined involvement outright.As the first phase of voting approaches on November 6th, more than 40 senior Congress figures were appointed to lead local campaign efforts—yet their presence has rarely been felt amidst persistent resentment from the rank-and-file. Ajay Rai, who commands influence over 400 assembly constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, briefly visited Bihar, only to exit soon after handling a solitary seat. Even former campaign in-charge Bhakt Charan Das failed to establish a significant presence, with state headquarters left uninformed about his movements.
The initial fervor surrounding Rahul Gandhi’s “Vote Theft” march has swiftly dissipated into defeatist slogans such as “Leave the seat, leave the chair.” The imported leadership from Delhi has become restricted to five-star accommodations, signaling a disconnect from ground realities.Of the party’s supposed star campaigners, only Akhilesh Singh has maintained a visible profile. Pappu Yadav and Kanhaiya Kumar have limited their efforts to their constituencies. A glaring example of political immaturity emerged when violent caste-based strife broke out in Mokama, near Begusarai, resulting in the death of an important OBC voter. Neither Rahul Gandhi nor party president Mallikarjun Kharge visited the affected area, instead spending time in Begusarai for photo opportunities with local figures.
Similar absenteeism was noted during incidents of minority violence elsewhere, where party leaders did not offer condolence visits but were seen brandishing the Constitution in parliament and on the streets.Controversy peaked when Rahul Gandhi, addressing a Bihar rally, suggested bringing the Indian Army into the scope of reservation policy. His remarks—asserting that “90% of India’s population are Dalits, Mahadalits, backward classes, or minorities, and that all positions of privilege and control, including in the military, are held by the upper 10%”—sparked debate over merit and representation.
Critics highlighted that selection and promotion within the armed forces are determined through rigorous evaluations of merit, courage, and technical skill, citing icons like Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and Lt. Gen. J. S. Arora, whose professional ascent was owed to their dedication and valor, not quotas.Rahul Gandhi’s press conference, timed with Guru Nanak Jayanti and just before the polls, reflected a sense of resignation.
Drawing parallels with Congress’s defeat in the Haryana elections—blamed by Rahul on “25 lakh stolen votes”—the party’s leadership seemed to preempt Bihar’s outcome with similar claims. Surveys by Chanakya, Polstrat, and IANS indicate a strong lead for the NDA, while Jan Suraaj and AIMIM appear poised to erode Mahagathbandhan’s minority and secular voter base. In this scenario, the “vote theft” rhetoric appears designed to manage expectations and deflect blame ahead of likely defeat.
Internal politics further complicated matters, as the Congress opted for fewer seats in alliance negotiations with Lalu Prasad Yadav, sidelining dedicated longstanding candidates. Many leaders withdrew from campaigning, and disillusioned workers reportedly shifted allegiance. Instead of revitalizing the campaign, Congress found itself distracted by token activities—such as fishing and making sweets—while simultaneously laying the groundwork to attribute possible losses to administrative oversight by the Election Commission.Political observers remain focused on the post-poll landscape, acutely aware that the future composition of the Mahagathbandhan—and Congress’s standing within it—will be determined by the results of this turbulent election phase
