An interesting protest took place outside the new Congress headquarters in Delhi – not by rival parties but by members of the party from Bihar. Around 40 leaders from the Bihar Congress demanded the removal of the state unit president and the party in-charge for the state, holding them responsible for the party’s dismal performance in the state.
Bihar is currently not a priority for the Congress party as no election is due there in the near future. Several states are proving a source of headaches for the Congress’ Central leadership, and resolving this situation is crucial.
In Telangana, which the Congress wrested from a minister lost her post following a controversy involving her daughter. The Congress’ central leadership has now removed the party in-charge for Punjab, Bhupesh Baghel and brought in Sachin Pilot to unite these factions. Next to Punjab is Rajasthan, a state notorious for the political tussle between Pilot and then Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. By appointing Sachin Pilot as the in-charge for Punjab, the central leaders have signalled that his stature within the party is set to rise. The party’s fourth challenge comes from Karnataka, where DK Shivakumar, after becoming Chief Minister, does not find his path too easy. He had to make multiple trips to Delhi regarding cabinet formation and the allocation of portfolios.
The political acumen of the 49-year-old will be put to test as he attempts to soothe egos and foster unity – a task made all the more urgent by the fact that time is running out. The rift had led the party to a precipice in 2020, where a split and a subsequent collapse of the government looked uncomfortably real. the Congress high command must decide beforehand who will be entrusted with the state’s leadership Although the next assembly elections in Rajasthan are not until 2028.
Chhatrapati Yadav, a former Congress MLA from Khagaria who participated in the protest, told NDTV: “Both the state president and the in-charge have failed in Bihar and have pushed the party significantly backward; therefore, they should be removed”.
