Patna – The political landscape of Bihar is simmering with tension as the Assembly Elections 2025 loom large, and the Congress party, led by its chief and Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, finds itself at the epicenter of a self-inflicted crisis. Clinging to the Constitution as a prop while hurling baseless accusations against the Election Commission, the Congress has descended into a dangerous game of reckless rhetoric and undemocratic posturing. This is not a defense of democracy—it is a shameful assault on its sanctity. The party must confront its mistakes, abandon its misguided strategies, and restore its credibility, or face annihilation at the hands of an awakened electorate.
Rahul Gandhi’s recent statements have crossed every line of decorum and responsibility. In a brazen attack, he declared that once the Congress assumes power in Delhi and Bihar, the three election commissioners would face scrutiny, accusing them of acting as “agents of the BJP.” This direct assault on a constitutional institution is not just reckless—it is a blatant attempt to undermine the integrity of India’s electoral process. Waving the Constitution as a theatrical prop does not grant Gandhi immunity to spew venom against those tasked with upholding it. His language reveals a mindset that prioritizes power over principle, a mindset that the Congress must reject immediately.
The incident involving the brutal assault on the driver of MLA Vijay Kumar Singh alias W Singh from Nabinagar and a media journalist by an individual named Jaichand, allegedly linked to RJD ally Tejashwi Yadav, further exposes the hypocrisy of the opposition alliance. This shameful act of violence, which this report condemns in the strongest terms, underscores the lawlessness festering within the Congress-RJD ecosystem. Tejashwi Yadav must heed this warning: the “Jaichands” surrounding him threaten to drag his political career into irreparable ruin. There is still time to purge these elements, but inaction will lead to catastrophic electoral consequences.
The Congress and RJD’s joint narrative of “vote theft” during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar is a desperate fabrication born of repeated electoral defeats. Rahul Gandhi’s 16-day “Voter Rights Yatra” across 23 districts, marketed as a crusade to “protect democracy and the Constitution,” is nothing but a smokescreen for his party’s frustration. His refusal to substantiate allegations with an affidavit, instead hiding behind an oath to the Constitution, is a cowardly evasion. The Election Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, has categorically dismissed these claims as baseless, emphasizing that the SIR aims to purify voter lists and that all parties were given ample opportunity to review them. The Commission’s call for formal complaints has been met with silence, exposing the opposition’s reliance on street chaos over legal recourse.
The behavior of RJD and Congress spokespersons has only deepened this disgrace. A young RJD spokesperson’s use of crude terms like “luckiness,” “shit,” and “impudence” against the Election Commission during a TV debate was a new low. The host’s rebuke of these “unnecessary” remarks was justified, yet it reflects a broader failure of leadership within these parties. The repeated labeling of the Commission as a “vote thief” by RJD and the disrespectful tone toward senior figures reveal a toxic culture that Congress has emboldened through its alliance. This is not political discourse—it is a deliberate attempt to erode public trust in democratic institutions.
The Congress must face a hard truth: its history of electoral malpractices, including booth capturing during the ballot paper era, haunts its credibility. Accusing the Election Commission of bias when the electoral process has become transparent and technologically robust is a projection of its own past sins. Bihar Minister Neeraj Singh Bablu’s assertion that Congress and RJD are defaming constitutional bodies to mask their failures hits the mark. Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav’s observation that Rahul Gandhi’s fear of defeat in Bihar drives these baseless allegations further exposes the opposition’s panic.
Tej Pratap Yadav’s recent statement, guiding his brother Tejashwi, adds fuel to this fire. While the specifics of his remarks remain unclear without direct access to the cited X post, the context suggests a continuation of the opposition’s confrontational stance. This sibling dynamic within RJD, coupled with Congress’s tacit support, paints a picture of a coalition more interested in anarchy than governance. The electorate will judge their intelligence in the upcoming polls, and the signs are ominous for the opposition.
The role of external actors, including certain YouTubers and NGOs, in amplifying the “vote theft” narrative is equally troubling. With foreign funding curtailed under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), these groups appear to be aligning with Rahul Gandhi’s campaign, possibly eyeing the 2029 Lok Sabha elections as a “final battle.” Analysts suggest a strategy to divide Hindu society and consolidate Muslim-Christian votes, using allegations of electoral fraud as a tool to sow discord. This cynical manipulation must be called out, and Congress must distance itself from such machinations.
The media’s role in this controversy is another area of concern. Anchors and channels, often ignorant of the distinction between the Criminal Penal Code (CrPC) and election-related laws, are spreading misinformation. This negligence amplifies the opposition’s narrative, misleading the public and weakening democratic discourse. Congress, as a party claiming to uphold constitutional values, should lead by example and demand accountability from these platforms instead of exploiting their ignorance.
The Congress leadership must introspect deeply. Rahul Gandhi, now 55, faces a critical juncture. At 59 in 2029 and 64 in 2034, his political relevance hinges on a drastic course correction. The party’s reliance on outdated slogans—from “Chowkidar Chor” to “EVM tampering”—has failed, and the new “vote theft” cry is a sign of desperation. The Modi government’s strong governance and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) organizational might have proven insurmountable, yet Congress persists in divisive tactics rather than offering a constructive vision.
The people of Bihar, weary of the “fodder theft” and “booth loot” scandals of the RJD-Congress past, are unlikely to be swayed by this rhetoric. The Election Commission’s transparent efforts, supported by booth-level officers and party workers, stand in stark contrast to the opposition’s unfounded tirades. The Commission’s impartiality is non-negotiable, and any attempt to undermine it is a direct threat to democracy.
Congress must act decisively. It should withdraw its inflammatory statements, present grievances through proper channels, and discipline its allies like RJD. The party’s leadership must purge the “Jaichands” within its ranks and recommit to democratic principles. Failure to do so will not only ensure defeat in Bihar 2025 but also seal its irrelevance in India’s political future. The voters hold the power to deliver this verdict, and they must exercise it with vigilance. The time for Congress to realize its mistakes is now—before it’s too late.
