The 2025 Bihar Assembly elections have once again exposed the deepening crisis within the Indian National Congress, as the party recorded its worst-ever performance in the state. Contesting 60 seats as part of the Mahagathbandhan alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the Congress managed to secure only 7 seats, a sharp decline from the 19 seats it won in 2020.
This dismal performance has raised serious questions about the party’s relevance in Bihar politics, where it was once a dominant force before the state’s bifurcation in 2000. The results also highlight the challenges facing the Mahagathbandhan, which struggled to counter the ruling NDA’s organizational strength and voter outreach.
Congress’ Decline in Numbers
| Election Year | Seats Contested | Seats Won | Vote Share (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 41 | 27 | 6.7 |
| 2020 | 70 | 19 | 9.5 |
| 2025 | 60 | 7 | <5 |
The steady decline underscores the party’s inability to expand its base or convert alliances into electoral gains. Despite contesting fewer seats in 2025, the Congress failed to improve its strike rate, winning less than 12% of the constituencies it contested.
Reasons Behind the Collapse
- Weak Organizational Structure: Congress lacks a strong cadre in Bihar compared to RJD and NDA allies.
- Leadership Crisis: Rahul Gandhi’s campaign pitch, including the “vote chori” narrative, failed to resonate with voters.
- Alliance Dependence: As a junior partner in the Mahagathbandhan, Congress struggled to assert itself.
- Disconnect with Ground Realities: The party’s messaging did not address local issues such as unemployment and rural distress.
- Competition from Regional Parties: RJD and JD(U) continue to dominate the political landscape, leaving little space for Congress.
Mahagathbandhan’s Struggles
The Mahagathbandhan, led by RJD, also faced setbacks. RJD’s tally dropped to 37 seats from 75 in 2020, weakening the alliance’s overall position. Congress’ poor performance further dented the coalition’s ability to challenge the NDA, which secured a comfortable majority.
Public and Political Reactions
- Opposition Leaders: Criticized Congress for dragging down the alliance’s prospects.
- Congress Leaders: Some blamed the Election Commission, calling the contest “EC vs People of Bihar”.
- Analysts: Pointed to Congress’ lack of grassroots presence and ineffective campaign strategy.
Congress’ Electoral Performance in Bihar
| Factor | 2015 | 2020 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seats Contested | 41 | 70 | 60 |
| Seats Won | 27 | 19 | 7 |
| Alliance Partner | RJD, JD(U) | RJD | RJD |
| Strike Rate (%) | 65.8 | 27.1 | 11.6 |
Future of Congress in Bihar
The 2025 results have intensified debates about Congress’ future in Bihar:
- Relevance in Alliances: With diminishing returns, allies may reconsider seat-sharing arrangements.
- Need for Grassroots Revival: Building a cadre base is critical for survival.
- Leadership Overhaul: Calls for new state-level leadership are growing louder.
- Strategic Rethink: The party must decide whether to continue as a junior partner or attempt independent revival.
Conclusion
The Bihar Assembly elections of 2025 mark another fall for the Congress, which has slipped further into political irrelevance in the state. From being a dominant force in the past to now struggling for single-digit seats, the party’s decline reflects both organizational weaknesses and strategic missteps. Unless the Congress undertakes a serious overhaul of its leadership, grassroots presence, and electoral strategy, its future in Bihar appears bleak.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available election data and political analysis. Readers are advised to follow official Election Commission updates for verified results.
