At a TV-9 Digital meeting, former Congress President Akhilesh Singh emphasized the crucial relationship between the Congress and RJD in Bihar. He stated that the two parties are mutually reliant for their survival. This statement was made in response to a query about the Congress party’s decline after the JP movement and its current dependence on the RJD, specifically on Lalu Prasad Yadav.
Singh provided context by highlighting the 2010 elections when the parties contested independently, leading to significant seat losses for both. He maintained that their alliance is essential to counter the BJP’s coalition, given Bihar’s social structure. Additionally, Singh mentioned that the Congress party has not been in power since the 1990s, except for limited participation in coalition governments. He also discussed his time leading the Congress in Bihar, emphasizing the positive outcomes during his tenure, especially the improved performance in the Lok Sabha elections. He noted an increase in votes during his presidency compared to the 2019 elections.
Singh also highlighted that the Congress party had a better strike rate than the RJD in Bihar. When asked about the inclusion of Pappu Yadav, he stated that alliances necessitate compromises, using the Purnia seat as an example. He mentioned that the Congress didn’t contest the seat because of the RJD’s concerns and a prior announcement by Lalu Prasad Yadav. In contrast, the Congress contested the Maharajganj seat.