Bihar Lok Sabha election 2024: Congress - Past performance, key issues, challenges and more

File photo of Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav

In Bihar, the Congress has historically been one of the major political parties, often competing with regional parties like the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

However, the Congress's influence in Bihar has declined over the years, particularly since the 1990s, as regional parties gained prominence and the political dynamics of the state changed. The party has struggled to maintain its support base and has faced challenges in effectively countering the rise of regional and caste-based politics in Bihar.

In the 2015 Bihar Assembly elections, the Congress joined hands with the RJD and JD(U) to form a Mahagathbandhan, which emerged victorious. However, the alliance faced challenges in subsequent elections.

In the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, the Congress, as part of the Mahagathbandhan, won only 19 out of the 70 seats it contested. This was a setback for the party, as it failed to substantially increase its seat tally compared to the previous elections.

In an effort to revitalize its organization and strengthen its grassroots presence in Bihar, the Congress has undertaken various initiatives such as organizational restructuring, outreach programs, and efforts to mobilize support among different social groups and communities.

The Congress continues to face challenges such as leadership issues, organizational weaknesses, and stiff competition from regional parties and the BJP.

Congress and Lok Sabha elections in Bihar

The Congress party has had a mixed performance in Bihar during Lok Sabha elections. In the past, the Congress has enjoyed periods of electoral success, winning significant numbers of seats in the state. However, its influence has fluctuated over time due to changing political dynamics and the rise of regional parties.

Previously, it had fielded actor Shatrughan Sinha from Patna, who won in 2009 and 2014; and former Speaker of the Lok Sabha Meira Kumar, who lost in the 2014 elections.

This year the party has fielded three candidates for the Lok Sabha elections, Ajeet Sharma (Bhagalpur), Tariq Anwar (Katihar), and Mohammad Jawed (Kishanganj).