Rahul Gandhi's frequent visits to Bihar have become a topic of significant political discussion as he seeks to assert Congress' position ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. His third visit in just three months, on April 7, 2025, was to join the Congress-led 'Palayan Roko, Naukri Do' march in Begusarai, led by Kanhaiya Kumar, the national in-charge of the National Students Union of India (NSUI). This march is focused on addressing the pressing issue of youth unemployment in the state, a key concern in Bihar, and Rahul Gandhi’s participation underscores his support for the youth's demands for jobs and opportunities.

Rahul Gandhi’s repeated visits are part of a broader strategic push by Congress to strengthen its position in the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) ahead of the crucial elections. While Congress has announced its alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) for the upcoming elections, the details of seat-sharing remain unclear. However, Gandhi’s consistent presence in Bihar indicates that Congress is aiming for a larger seat share than it has historically received in the state.

A Quest for More Seats in Bihar

Congress’ ambition to increase its share of seats in Bihar’s assembly elections is becoming evident. In his message to the youth of Bihar, Rahul Gandhi urged them to “join the White T-Shirt Movement” to demand jobs and an end to migration from the state, signaling his continued commitment to the region's issues. By aligning with the youth’s aspirations, Gandhi aims to portray Congress as a primary force in Bihar’s politics rather than a secondary partner in the Mahagathbandhan.

This comes after Congress Bihar president Krishna Allavaru’s strong remarks in March, where he declared that the party would no longer act as the “stooge” of the RJD. The Congress party, which in the past had faced criticism for its seat-sharing arrangement with the RJD, especially after securing only 19 seats out of 70 contested in the last Bihar elections, is now looking to assert itself as the A team in the alliance.

Rahul Gandhi’s Padyatra and Its Implications

During his visit, Rahul Gandhi joined the padyatra in Begusarai, a town that has witnessed significant youth unrest due to the lack of job opportunities. In a video message released ahead of his visit, Gandhi emphasized the need for Bihar to become a state of opportunities rather than one where youth are forced to migrate for employment. His direct appeal to EBC (Economically Backward Classes), Dalits, and Muslims further highlights his attempt to broaden Congress' appeal to these vital vote banks in Bihar.

By mobilizing youth support through the Palayan Roko, Naukri Do march, Gandhi is not just advocating for job creation but also positioning Congress as the champion of the marginalized and unemployed sections of the state. This is an important move for the party as it seeks to solidify its base ahead of the elections. His frequent visits to the state and active participation in ground-level protests suggest a shift towards grassroots engagement, aimed at countering the perceived dominance of RJD in the state’s politics.

Congress' Shift in Strategy for Bihar

Historically, Congress’ performance in Bihar has been lukewarm. In the last elections, its alliance with RJD saw the party secure only a fraction of the contested seats, and the leadership had often been criticized for playing second fiddle to RJD. However, with Gandhi’s repeated visits and strong statements by state leaders like Krishna Allavaru, there is a clear push for Congress to not just be a supporter but a leading player in the Bihar alliance.

The question remains: will this aggressive posturing by Congress yield more seats in the alliance? While the seat-sharing formula will be worked out in the coming months, Rahul Gandhi’s actions point to a more assertive Congress that is no longer content with being a subordinate partner to RJD.

Conclusion

Rahul Gandhi's recent trips to Bihar are more than just symbolic gestures—they are part of a calculated strategy to increase Congress' influence and seat share in the Mahagathbandhan. Through his active participation in the Palayan Roko, Naukri Do march, and his ongoing engagement with the state’s youth, Gandhi is positioning Congress as a strong contender in the upcoming elections. The question now is whether this strategy will be successful in challenging the dominance of RJD and securing a more prominent role for Congress in the state's future politics.

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