Bihar Congress Pins Election Loss on ₹10,000 Scheme; Calls It “Bribe

Patna: After the disappointing performance of the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, party leaders are looking for reasons behind the defeat. Senior Congress leader Shakeel Ahmed Khan has claimed that the Bihar government’s decision to distribute ₹10,000 each to 1 million women was the primary factor behind the coalition’s poor showing. Khan termed the cash transfer as “bribery” and questioned the Election Commission’s inaction.

₹10,000 Cash Transfers Led to Congress Loss?
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) retained power in Bihar, winning 202 out of 243 seats, while the Mahagathbandhan secured only 41 seats, including six for Congress. Shakeel Ahmed Khan alleged, “The Election Commission must explain why it remained silent when the NDA government distributed ₹10,000 to women ahead of elections. This alleged bribery is the biggest reason for our defeat.” He further accused the Commission of acting at the behest of the NDA, asserting, “History will remember this; they will have to answer for it.”

Congress Holds Review Meeting in Patna
A review meeting was held in Patna under the leadership of Congress Bihar unit president Rajesh Ram, attended by district presidents and heads of various party departments and cells. Congress in-charge for Bihar, Krishna Allavaru, was also present. Shakeel Ahmed Khan claimed that the Mahagathbandhan’s defeat was orchestrated using the state machinery.

Questions on Women’s Representation
Sarwat Jahan Fatima, former head of the Congress Bihar women’s wing, who resigned citing inadequate representation of women in ticket distribution, said, “Despite the 33% quota, only 8% of tickets were allocated to women. I felt a moral responsibility to step down.” She further criticized the RJD’s claims that Congress’ weak performance led to the Mahagathbandhan’s defeat, stating, “They should focus on their own party first. Who is responsible for their party’s loss?” She also questioned why RJD leaders were fielded in Congress constituencies.

No Room for “Friendly Fights” in Elections
Fatima added, “There is no such thing as a ‘friendly fight’ in elections. A fight is a fight. Alliances and counter-alliances cannot run simultaneously.” Shashi Ranjan, president of the Patna District Congress Committee, also blamed RJD leaders, particularly Tejashwi Yadav, for the coalition’s defeat, saying, “RJD was the major partner in the alliance and must take responsibility.”