Patna, Bihar (September 2025): In a charged political address, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge declared that the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections would mark “the beginning of the end of the Modi government’s corrupt rule.” The remarks came during an extended Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Patna, the party’s first such gathering in Bihar since Independence.
Congress Targets BJP Over Electoral Manipulation
Speaking at Sadaqat Ashram, a site rich with independence movement history, Kharge accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of engaging in “vote chori” (vote theft). He alleged that the government is exploiting the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar to deliberately remove the names of Dalit, tribal, backward class, minority, and poor voters.
Kharge described this as a direct attack on democracy, claiming that the denial of voting rights is linked to the denial of other essentials like rations, pensions, and education.
Questions Over Election Commission’s Impartiality
The Congress president also expressed concern over the Election Commission’s approach. According to him, instead of probing allegations of voter suppression, the Commission is demanding affidavits from complainants. Kharge argued this was a tactic to silence dissent and discourage citizens from raising legitimate concerns about electoral integrity.
National-Level Critique of the Modi Government
Kharge expanded his criticism to the broader national picture, attacking the Modi government on:
- Economic slowdown and rising unemployment.
- Unfulfilled promise of creating 2 crore jobs annually.
- The controversial implementation of demonetization and GST.
He highlighted the irony that the current government is now adopting GST reforms originally proposed by the Congress.
Rift Within NDA Highlighted
Turning his attention to state politics, Kharge questioned the BJP’s alliance with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, suggesting that the BJP sees him as a “liability” and has “mentally retired” him.
He argued that Bihar’s voters are tired of divisive politics and are seeking development, social justice, and effective governance.
A Strategic Political Push
The CWC meeting in Patna is seen as a strategic move to energize Congress workers ahead of the Bihar polls. Kharge’s fiery speech positions the Bihar election as more than a state-level contest—it is being framed as a battle for India’s democratic and constitutional values.
Congress leaders believe that a victory in Bihar, often described as the cradle of Indian democracy, could create momentum for a larger national challenge to the BJP.
FAQs – Kharge’s Bihar Poll Remarks
Q1: Why did Congress hold its CWC meeting in Patna?
A1: The party chose Patna for its symbolic significance, being historically tied to India’s independence movement and democracy.
Q2: What does Kharge mean by “vote chori”?
A2: He alleges that the BJP is manipulating electoral rolls to deliberately remove the names of marginalized voters.
Q3: How does Congress view the Election Commission’s role?
A3: Congress has accused the Commission of ignoring complaints of voter suppression and instead burdening complainants with affidavit requirements.
Q4: What are the main issues raised by Kharge against the Modi government?
A4: Economic slowdown, unemployment, unfulfilled job promises, and flawed economic policies such as demonetization and GST.
Q5: How does this impact Bihar politics?
A5: Congress sees Bihar as a pivotal battleground. A victory here could shift the political momentum nationally ahead of future elections.
