Will the Congress’ appointment of Rajesh Kumar Ram — a Dalit leader and sitting MLA from Kutumba — as the new president of the Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee (BPCC) address the rumbles of dissatisfaction over predecessor Akhilesh Prasad Singh's handling of outreach efforts and other organisational matters?
More than just a leadership change, this decision — announced by AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal — is being seen by political observers as an attempt to revive the Congress’ traditional social coalition in Bihar: bringing together Dalits, Muslims and Hindu savarna (upper castes).
A Patna-based senior journalist noted that the Congress is returning to its old winning formula, which was instrumental in the party's dominance before the ‘Mandal and mandir’ politics reshaped Bihar’s political landscape.
The ripple effects of Kumar’s appointment are expected to be felt beyond Bihar, particularly in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh. With the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) witnessing a decline, the Congress is keen to occupy the political space left vacant in Dalit politics there.
By positioning Kumar at the helm, the party is sending a message to Dalit voters in UP, where it aims to regain lost ground and forge a new electoral coalition.
The new BPCC president holds up a 'Palayan roko, naukri do' poster
The Congress has already been projecting Kanhaiya Kumar — who is leading the ‘Palayan roko, naukri do [Stop the exodus, offer jobs]’ Yatra — as the party’s young face in Bihar.
However, while Kanhaiya enjoys popularity among students and young voters, Congress lacked a strong Dalit leader at the organisational level. The appointment of Rajesh Kumar fills this gap and strengthens the party’s optics — showcasing a balance of youth and experienced leadership.
Observers say that given Nitish Kumar’s health concerns and the weakening grip of the JD(U) over EBC votes, the Congress is looking to capitalise on an opportunity to consolidate the support.
Should the JD(U) continue to decline, a section of EBC voters may drift toward the Congress, further bolstering its position within the INDIA bloc.
Indeed, one of the most crucial aspects of this appointment is its impact on Congress’ equation with the .
The Dalit communities, which constitute around 16 per cent of Bihar’s population, have historically been wary of Yadav dominance within the RJD. By strengthening its Dalit leadership, the Congress positions itself as an alternative within the INDIA bloc for Dalit voters, ensuring that the coalition remains electorally viable in a post-poll scenario.
With a Dalit leader at the helm, the Congress is expected to demand a greater share of seats in the upcoming Bihar elections. The party had previously contested 70 seats in the last state polls; it is likely to push for a similar, if not larger, allocation this time.
By consolidating Dalit votes, the Congress adds on bargaining power within the alliance, making it a key player in Bihar’s evolving political landscape.
By focusing on Dalit outreach, strengthening its organisational setup and making strategic alliances, the Congress is positioning itself for a more significant role in Bihar politics, observers believe.
Whether this effort pays off will depend on how effectively the party capitalises on the political churn in the state.
