Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday asserted that the party would form a “single-engine” government in the state, eliminating the need for coalition compromises. The remark, made during a public rally in Patna, signals the Congress’s intent to reclaim lost ground in Bihar ahead of the 2025 assembly elections.
The veteran leader’s statement comes as part of the party’s broader strategy to strengthen its base in the Hindi heartland, where it has traditionally struggled to assert dominance in recent decades. Emphasizing the failures of both the BJP-led NDA and regional coalition governments, Kharge claimed that the time was ripe for the people of Bihar to embrace a stable, stand-alone Congress government.
A Push for Independent Rule
“Bihar deserves a government that doesn’t depend on the crutches of alliance politics. It’s time for a single-engine Congress government that will work solely for the people — not for adjusting partners or pleasing allies,” Kharge said to loud cheers from supporters gathered at the event.
The Congress currently plays a junior role in Bihar’s opposition coalition, the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance), alongside Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other parties. However, Kharge’s speech hinted at the party’s growing aspirations to lead from the front, rather than being a support pillar in state-level coalitions.
Targeting Both Sides
Kharge was unsparing in his criticism of both the ruling NDA and the rival RJD-JDU formations. “Double-engine or triple-engine governments have brought nothing but confusion and contradiction to Bihar. One engine pulls towards Delhi, another towards Patna, and the third towards personal gain. It’s the people who suffer,” he said, taking a swipe at the BJP’s oft-repeated slogan of “double-engine sarkar.”
He accused the BJP of using central agencies to destabilize elected governments, and lambasted Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for frequently switching political sides. “Nitish Kumar has made more U-turns than a rickshaw in Patna’s lanes,” Kharge quipped, drawing applause from the crowd.
A Focus on Youth and Jobs
In a state where unemployment and migration remain key issues, Kharge’s speech focused heavily on youth-centric policies. He promised that a Congress-led government would prioritize job creation, skill development, and the revival of industries in Bihar.
“Every year, lakhs of Bihari youth leave the state in search of employment. We want to build a Bihar where young people have opportunities at home, not just in other cities,” he said, promising industrial corridors, IT hubs, and education reforms.
Congress Gears Up for 2025
Though the Congress’s electoral strength in Bihar has waned in recent decades, the party appears to be reenergizing its cadre ahead of the 2025 assembly polls. Senior Congress leaders, including state unit president Akhilesh Prasad Singh, have been holding organizational meetings and outreach events across districts.
Kharge’s pitch for a solo run might be viewed as aspirational, but it also reflects the national leadership’s desire to rebuild the Congress from the grassroots, especially in politically critical states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
Political observers believe the statement could either be a negotiating tactic within the Mahagathbandhan to gain more seats and prominence, or a genuine shift in approach aimed at long-term revival.
The Road Ahead
Whether or not the Congress actually goes solo in 2025 remains to be seen. However, Kharge’s statement has added fresh momentum to the state’s political conversation. The BJP has already taken note, with spokespersons dismissing the Congress’s claims as “pipe dreams,” while RJD leaders have so far responded cautiously, choosing not to escalate tensions publicly.
For now, the Congress seems focused on reconnecting with the people and reviving its old base. Whether that leads to a single-engine government in Bihar will depend not just on slogans, but on sustained groundwork, strategic alliances, and voter confidence in the days to come.