Congress Assesses Bihar Defeat: Seat-Sharing, Cash Gifts, and Malpractices Cited

Following a significant electoral setback in Bihar, the Congress party convened a crucial review meeting to analyze its performance. Attended by top leaders such as Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal, the session focused on identifying the contributing factors to the party’s limited success. Candidates presented their feedback, pointing to the state government’s Rs 10,000 ‘bonanza’ for women as a key influence on voter sentiment. Significant concerns were also raised regarding the prolonged delay in seat-sharing negotiations within the opposition alliance, which allegedly created strategic disadvantages. Allegations of widespread ‘electoral malpractices’, including irregularities in voter rolls and violations of election codes, were a major point of discussion. The meeting, which also involved prominent state leaders and MPs, aimed to gather comprehensive insights into the defeat, with the party expressing its resolve to address these issues and protect democratic principles.