Can Congress-RJD alliance in Bihar comb out incumbent BJP-JDU dominance?

With the state elections months away, the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, comprising of two major parties Rashtriya Janata Dal and Congress, are functioning smoothly at the grassroots to defeat the incumbent BJP-JDU alliance. 

The reason according to Congress leaders is that the opposition alliance (RJD and Congress) has been out of power for about two decades in Bihar and wants to take no risk this time by practicing tactical maneuvers against each other, to preserve their dominance in their power bases. 

RJD leaders also think that the alliance can come into power only when there are amplified and united efforts against the established ruling camp's electoral bases. 

"The Congress-RJD gathbandhan is moving strategically and cohesively," Congress' Bihar spokesperson Gyaan Ranjhan says, "Ground-level workers from both parties are working in tandem to amplify the alliance’s Common Minimum Programme, reinforcing a sense of unity and shared purpose."

Positioning as a key welfare measure in the Bihar election campaign, the Opposition has promised ₹2,500 monthly to women under the proposed 'Mai Bahan Yojana'. 

Simultaneously, press conferences from both RJD and Congress are being organised to address a range of important issues including employment, education, healthcare, and rising unemployment. Party leaders are targeting to shift the political discourse towards everyday concerns of the electorate.

To present a cohesive agenda, Congress leaders say, members of the Joint Manifesto Committee (JMC) are working to craft a common vision for Bihar’s future. 

At the same time, the social media teams from Mahagathbandhan's allied parties are coordinating closely to ensure consistent and effective messaging to establish unified digital outreach across platforms.

According to political observers in Bihar, people do want change this time but how much the opposition will be able to convince voters will rely on their robust internal communication and united messaging. 

"Seen as a third front, Jan Suraaj led by Prashant Kishor is also playing a role in sensitising people that the government hasn't done enough on ground.This could considerably damage the ruling NDA alliance in the state," an expert said.

India