“Congress in Bihar even lost its traditional stronghold Begusarai; What happened with Kanhaiya Kumar?
Patna: Congress is steadily weakening in Bihar. Leaders claim that allies are not offering them better seats. Allegations suggest that Lalu Prasad is the fate decider for Congress in Bihar. The party’s state president also faces various accusations. Consequently, this election saw Congress losing even its traditional seats.
Kanhaiya Kumar, the JNU student leader who secured over 2.69 lakh votes in his first election, couldn’t secure a single seat for Congress this time. Despite actively participating in Rahul Gandhi’s campaign, the chapter for NSUI leader Kanhaiya Kumar contesting from Begusarai has closed. Congress seems mute spectators in seat distribution, while RJD and CPI are either distributing tickets or announcing their candidates.
Party Couldn’t Advocate for Kanhaiya:
After student politics, Kanhaiya started his political journey at a higher level through CPI. He contested against BJP veteran Giriraj Singh in Begusarai in the 2019 general elections. Here, RJD’s Tanveer Hasan was the candidate. Securing 1.98 lakh votes, Tanveer Hasan remained in the third position. In this election, the Begusarai seat went to CPI under the Mahagathbandhan. Sources suggest that Congress couldn’t strongly advocate for Kanhaiya Kumar’s candidacy on the Begusarai seat.
Internal Disputes over Kanhaiya Kumar:
Internal conflicts emerged within the party regarding Kanhaiya Kumar’s rising stature. Many Congress leaders refrain from mentioning his name, citing the party’s allegiance to Lalu Prasad. The party’s seat distribution and candidates are being decided with his consent. Therefore, Congress may only get seats with Laloo Prasad’s approval. After Aurangabad, Begusarai became another example of this situation. Katihar’s seat, considered safe for Congress, is also being discussed.
Congress Lacks Visibility with Kanhaiya in Bihar:
After joining Congress, Kanhaiya Kumar’s presence in Bihar has decreased. Bihar’s emerging youth leaders include RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav, LJP’s Chirag Paswan, Congress’s Kanhaiya Kumar, and Jan Suraj’s coordinator Prashant Kishor. Why does Congress not want to use Kanhaiya Kumar in the elections in Bihar? The party has no answer to this question. Congress’s senior leader and former Union Minister Tariq Anwar didn’t openly comment on this but said that they are trying to ensure the integrity of the India Alliance.
