Patna: In a politically-charged move ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, the Indian National Congress is set to hold an extended Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Patna on September 24, marking a strategic shift in its campaign approach.
The meeting, which will be attended by top party leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, is being seen as a calculated show of strength aimed at energising the party’s cadre and asserting its influence within the Mahagathbandhan alliance.
The decision to convene the CWC in Patna — a rare occurrence — has stirred speculation in political circles. Sources within the party suggest that the move is a direct response to the momentum gained from Rahul Gandhi’s recent Voter Rights Yatra, which reportedly boosted enthusiasm among Congress workers and generated public interest in the party across Bihar.
According to insiders, the Patna meeting was not just a routine organisational gathering but a symbolic power play. The Congress aims to send a clear message to both rival parties and its allies in the Mahagathbandhan: that it remains a formidable national force, second only to the BJP, with governments in multiple states and a legacy of leadership.
The timing of the meeting is also strategic. With seat-sharing negotiations within the Mahagathbandhan still unresolved, the Congress is keen to leverage its presence and popularity to secure a favourable deal. The party has so far refrained from revealing its chief ministerial candidate or agreeing to contest fewer seats than in the previous election — a sign that it intends to bargain hard.
Party sources indicate that the CWC meeting will serve as a platform to pressure alliance partners, particularly in light of ongoing disagreements over preferred constituencies. By showcasing its organisational strength and leadership unity, the Congress hopes to influence the seat-sharing talks and assert its role as a key player in the coalition.
The meeting is also expected to feature discussions on campaign strategy, voter outreach, and coordination with grassroots workers. The event, which invites all current and former Congress chief ministers, is likely to garner significant media attention and public interest.
As Bihar prepares for a crucial electoral battle, the Congress’s Patna meeting could serve as a pivotal moment, impacting not only its own prospects but also the dynamics of the entire Opposition alliance.
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