NEW DELHI — Senior Congress leader and MP from Katihar, Tariq Anwar, has said the Congress committed a major strategic error in Bihar by insisting on contesting more than 50 seats despite lacking the required organisational strength on the ground. Following the party’s disappointing performance in the Assembly elections, he stressed the need for serious introspection to remain relevant in future political battles.
The Congress secured only six seats out of 61 it contested as part of the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance). Meanwhile, the Nitish Kumar-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) achieved a commanding victory with 202 seats.
Speaking to TNIE, Anwar said the Congress demanded more seats than it could effectively contest:
“We shouldn’t have asked for more than 50 seats. We demanded more than we could manage, because we didn’t have the organisational structure in place.”
Women voter support crucial for NDA, says Anwar
Anwar said the NDA’s success was heavily influenced by the Centre’s ₹10,000 direct cash transfer to women’s bank accounts shortly before election dates were announced.
“There was a massive turnout of women supporting the NDA. The Election Commission should have examined the timing of the transfers — it wasn’t fair,” he argued.
He also alleged that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists had questionable aspects that may have impacted the results.
Seat-sharing and coordination issues within alliance
Anwar acknowledged that multiple internal problems within the Congress contributed to its setback:
- Weak grassroots organisation
- Poorly coordinated campaign
- Internal revolts and resignations
- Allegations of unfair and arbitrary ticket distribution
“Coordination between alliance partners was not up to the mark. All stakeholders share responsibility,” he said.
He also rejected attempts to solely blame the Congress for the Grand Alliance’s defeat:
“It is incorrect to say Congress pulled down the entire alliance. RJD and Left parties also suffered losses.”
CWC meeting sought for urgent review
Anwar said the Congress leadership must act immediately to assess the defeat and take corrective measures before next year’s elections.
“The party chief should convene a Congress Working Committee meeting to review the results in detail,” he said, adding that he had already discussed the matter with Mallikarjun Kharge in a one-on-one meeting.
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