The humiliating rout of the Congress in Bihar has triggered a fundamental question about its relevance, agility and political instinct at a time when five crucial assembly elections—in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry—are rapidly approaching.

The party not only failed to read Bihar’s political moment but also stumbled in the most basic responsibility of coalition management by delaying its endorsement of Tejashwi Yadav’s chief ministerial candidature, despite being organisationally insignificant in the state. Its decision to contest in a “friendly” manner ended up confusing voters, giving the impression of a party that speaks of unity while acting with hesitation.

This miscalculation and Congress’ inability to connect with youth, women and first-time voters—who now demand clarity instead of symbolism—have cast a long shadow over its preparations for the forthcoming polls. The Bihar experience has forced a harsh introspection inside the Congress on six interlinked structural challenges that it can no longer ignore.

Challenges after Bihar: Credibility, Coalition Management and Message Discipline

The first challenge is the crisis of credibility. Congress is unable to convince youth, women and middle-class voters that it represents stability or a clear development vision. Allegations of “vote chori,” EVM doubts and moral posturing energise social media but fail to impress a generation demanding jobs, welfare and governance clarity. Voters today expect decisive leadership, focused governance promises and a purpose-driven campaign rather than abstract claims and reactive politics.

The second challenge is alliance mismanagement. The Bihar episode—where Congress delayed supporting Tejashwi Yadav despite having negligible presence—revealed an outdated entitlement mindset. In states where it is the junior partner, Congress must negotiate with humility and speed, not indecision. Bihar exposed the party’s inability to act in time, a........

© Free Press Journal