The Mahagathbandhan posted an abysmal performance in the recently concluded Bihar Assembly elections — relegated to the Opposition benches with merely 35 seats. The Congress managed to secure only six of the 61 seats it contested, while the RJD fell sharply from 75 seats to 25 as votes were counted on Friday. The stunning rout has since sparked calls for introspection and change in leadership within the INDIA bloc. Allied politicians also took a sharp swipe at the Congress leadership — outlining the key characteristics that “won elections”.
“Election outcomes reflect welfare delivery, social and ideological coalitions, clear political messaging and dedicated management until the last vote is polled,” reminded Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin.
The Opposition leader also congratulated JDU chief Nitish Kumar after the “decisive victory” and lauded RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav for leading a “tireless campaign”. Stalin also joined other INDIA bloc leaders in criticising the Election Commission — contending that the poll results “did not whitewash the misdeeds and reckless actions” of the poll body. He called for “a stronger and more impartial Election Commission, whose conduct of polls should inspire confidence even among those who do not win”.
INDIA bloc seeking leadership change?
The instropective post is being viewed by many as a pointed jibe at the Congress — while striking a conciliatory tone with his framing of the Bihar loss as a “lesson for everyone”. Other members of the INDIA bloc have been far more direct as they sought a change in leadership.
“It is clear that the Congress can’t stop the BJP. The leadership position must go to a party which has a track record of defeating the BJP. Only Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has an unblemished record of defeating the BJP. The time has come for Banerjee to lead the Opposition group,” said TMC Lok Sabha MP Kalyan Banerjee.
According to a recent Hindustan Times report, an influential splinter group has formed within the INDIA bloc comprising of TMC, Aam Aadmi Party, Shiv Sena and the Samajwadi Party. The dissenters have now begun making their own plans — prioritising regional issues and chalking out its own strategy without toeing the Congress line. The four parties collectively have 77 seats in the Lok Sabha while the Congress holds 99 constituencies.