Rahul Gandhi Calls Bihar Verdict “Surprising,” Alleges Election Was “Not Fair from the Start”
After NDA’s sweep, Congress begins internal review as party leaders accuse Election Commission of large-scale irregularities.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has broken his silence on the Bihar Assembly election outcome, calling the verdict “surprising” and alleging that the contest “was not fair from the very beginning.” His statement, posted on X, marks his first public response since the NDA’s decisive victory and signals the beginning of the Congress’s introspection over yet another poor performance in a state it once dominated.
Rahul Gandhi’s First Reaction
Gandhi thanked the “millions of voters” who supported the Mahagathbandhan but strongly questioned the fairness of the poll. “This result in Bihar is truly surprising. We could not achieve victory in an election that was not fair from the very beginning,” he said.
He framed the election as part of a larger ideological struggle, saying the fight is for the “protection of the Constitution and democracy.” Gandhi added that the Congress and the INDIA bloc would thoroughly review the outcome and intensify efforts to “make their campaign to save democracy even more effective.”
Why Gandhi’s Campaign Failed to Deliver
Rahul Gandhi’s campaign in Bihar was one of his most extensive: he travelled nearly 1,300 km, visited 25 districts, and addressed voters across around 110 constituencies. His outreach mixed cultural symbolism with heavy ground engagement — riding bicycles, fishing with locals, speaking in Bhojpuri, and interacting in village settings.
Despite this visibility, the electoral outcome fell far short of expectations. Analysts believe his messaging failed to resonate with younger voters, who seemed unmoved by the “vote chor, gaddi chhod” slogan he repeated throughout the campaign. Others say the Congress’s organisational weaknesses overshadowed Gandhi’s personal efforts.
Congress’s Worst Showing in Years
The party’s decline in Bihar was stark. In 2020, Congress won 27 out of 70 seats — a strong performance at the time. This year, it managed just six seats out of more than 50 it contested, losing deposits in a majority of constituencies. Its tally placed it only slightly ahead of smaller parties such as AIMIM and HAM.
This election marks Congress’s second-worst performance in Bihar since 2010, reflecting long-term erosion as regional parties continue to build deeper social alliances and stronger grassroots networks.
Reactions from Other Congress Leaders
Several Congress leaders issued strong statements targeting the NDA and the Election Commission. Jairam Ramesh alleged “vote chori on a gigantic scale” and blamed the Prime Minister, the Home Minister and the Election Commission for what he described as manipulated results. He vowed that the Congress would intensify its fight to “protect the Constitution and save democracy.”
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed disappointment but emphasised determination. While acknowledging the people’s mandate, he accused the ruling establishment of “misusing constitutional institutions” and weakening democratic norms.
Kharge said the party would conduct a detailed analysis of the defeat and reassured workers that their efforts were valued. “There is no need for you to feel discouraged. You are our pride, honour and glory,” he wrote on X. He added that the struggle to protect democratic values would continue “with complete dedication, courage and truth.”
