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New Delhi: The Bihar Assembly election results have not only confirmed the NDA’s sweeping victory but also raised serious questions within the Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan) regarding the relevance of Congress as a partner. With Congress delivering another disappointing performance in Bihar, allied parties are now re-evaluating whether continuing with Congress benefits the coalition.

Congress Fails to Impress Again

According to the latest figures, Congress has secured fewer than five seats, while smaller parties like Mukesh Sahni’s group remain largely insignificant. Overall, the Grand Alliance has struggled to make a mark, with its total tally possibly falling below 30 seats. Political analysts suggest that even if constituent parties had contested separately, the results might have been no worse, though at least the morale of workers could have been preserved.

Impact on Uttar Pradesh and Bengal

The Bihar results also have implications for upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. In UP, where the SP-Congress alliance exists, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav will now closely evaluate Congress’s performance and its impact on the party’s prospects in 2027. While SP may reduce Congress’s influence in the state, there is also a concern that Congress contesting separately could harm the overall opposition chances.

In West Bengal, next year’s Assembly election will see the BJP mounting a full-scale challenge. While CM Mamata Banerjee has historically contested alone, discussions about a potential alliance with Congress have surfaced periodically. The Bihar results may now clarify Congress’s position and reduce Mamata’s uncertainty regarding future coalition possibilities.

Questions for the Grand Alliance

Political observers argue that Congress’s consistently poor performance has created strategic dilemmas for its allies. Even the RJD, which in past elections questioned Congress’s contribution, has little room to shift blame this time, given its own modest performance. The Bihar outcomes are prompting a rethink on alliance dynamics, particularly whether Congress remains a valuable partner in crucial states like UP and Bengal.

With the NDA poised to secure over 200 seats, the Grand Alliance faces a moment of introspection. How its constituent parties recalibrate their strategy post-Bihar could determine the opposition’s fortunes in 2026–27 elections.

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