Bihar Assembly Election Review: Analysis of RJD-Congress alliance's 'sometimes yes, sometimes no' politics
The history of alliance between RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) and Congress in Bihar politics has been full of ups and downs. Sometimes these two parties entered the electoral fray together, and sometimes they went separate ways. This 'sometimes yes, sometimes no' strategy not only affected the electoral results but also decided the political direction of the state.
Decline of Congress and rise of RJD
After independence, Congress ruled Bihar for a long time. From 1947 to 1967, Congress had an absolute rule, with leaders like Shri Krishna Singh holding the post of Chief Minister. However, after 1967, the hold of Congress started weakening, and with the rise of Janata Party in 1977, Congress had to be out of power for the first time.
In 1990, Janata Dal was led by Lalu Prasad Yadav and came to power. At that time Lalu implemented the recommendations of the Mandal Commission and got the support of backward classes. In 1997, after being accused of the fodder scam, Lalu broke away from the Janata Dal and founded the RJD. During this time, Congress supported RJD and helped it to remain in power.
Beginning and ups and downs of the alliance
1998 Lok Sabha elections: During this time, RJD and Congress contested the elections as an alliance for the first time. In the seat sharing, Congress was given 8 seats, out of which Congress won 4.
1999 Lok Sabha elections: Congress contested on 13 seats, but could win only 2 seats. This increased tension between the two parties.
2000 Assembly elections: RJD and Congress contested separately. RJD got 124 seats, Congress got 23 seats. Later, Congress helped RJD to form the government by supporting it.
2004 Lok Sabha elections: RJD, Congress and LJP contested the elections as an alliance. RJD got 26, Congress got 4 and LJP got 8 seats.
2005 Assembly Elections: In February, Congress and LJP contested separately from RJD, but none of the parties could get majority. In the re-election held in October, RJD and Congress contested together, but NDA got majority.
2010 to 2020: Alliance Politics
2010 Assembly Elections: Congress contested alone and could win only 4 seats. RJD got 22 seats.
2015 Assembly Elections: RJD, Congress and JDU contested by forming a grand alliance. RJD got 80, Congress got 27 and JDU got 71 seats. This was Congress's best performance after 1995.
2020 Assembly Elections: Grand Alliance contested together. RJD got 75, Congress got 19 seats. NDA got a total of 125 seats and formed the government.
2025 Assembly Elections: Current Scenario
Preparations are in full swing for the 2025 assembly elections. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has re-energised the Mahagathbandhan and formed sub-committees.
However, differences are emerging in the alliance over seat sharing. The Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) has demanded 60 seats, leading to tensions in the Mahagathbandhan.
Apart from this, some statements by Tejashwi Yadav have indicated that there is confusion between the RJD and the Congress regarding the alliance.
Conclusion
The alliance politics between the RJD and the Congress has deeply influenced the politics of Bihar. Sometimes they came to power unitedly, and sometimes suffered losses by fighting elections separately. It will be interesting to see in the 2025 elections whether these two parties come together once again or choose different paths. The election results will determine the success or failure of this 'kabhi haan, kabhi naa' strategy.