Bihar polls: Rahul Gandhi supporters want state Congress to fight the election on its own

NEW DELHI: Even as Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar are blowing hot and cold on whether RJD and JD(U) will merge or have an alliance before the year-end Bihar assembly polls, Congress leaders in Delhi and Patna are debating their party’s election strategy for the state. A large section of younger leaders, projecting themselves as supporters of Rahul Gandhi’s vision for strengthening the party organisation, want state Congress to fight the election on its own, while many senior leaders are rooting for an alliance with RJD and JD(U), saying it is a crucial fight against BJP. The ‘go it alone’ camp, however, has the support of many seniors in demanding re-structuring of state Congress and removal of PCC chief Ashok Choudhary, seen to be close to the RJD.

At a recent meeting Rahul Gandhi held with many AICC secretaries, the two-in charge of Bihar – Paresh Dhanani and KL Sharma – are learnt to have referred to the differing views within Bihar Congress.

While Bihar Congress is now a battered party, RJD and JD(U) are keen to align with it for two reasons: To complete the unity of Muslims behind the alliance and to help it wean away a section of upper caste voters. The state Congress camp and RJD/JD are in touch with AICC leaders to make their respective arguments.

The ‘go alone’ camp is placing three arguments, according to sources: Party fighting all 243 seats will, even if it loses, help galvanise workers and organisation for 2019 LS battle. Secondly, Lalu-Nitish alliance lacks credibility and aligning with it will harm the Congress.

Thirdly, these leaders point out that while four of the Congress’ five sitting MLAs can win, an alliance can only add just a few more seats but will stifle the party’s growth.