Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera has expressed optimism over the INDIA bloc’s performance in the ongoing Bihar assembly elections, projecting that the alliance could win 72 out of the 121 seats it contested in the first phase on November 6. Speaking at a press conference in Patna on Sunday, Khera highlighted that the bloc’s efforts in the state were gaining momentum and that the Congress party itself was on track to potentially exceed expectations, suggesting it could have “entered the double-digit mark” in the first phase alone.
Khera’s statements come amid a fiercely competitive electoral landscape in Bihar, where the INDIA alliance, which includes Congress, the Rashtriya Janata Dal, and several regional players, has been vying for a significant share of the vote. He noted that the first phase of polling, which covered several key constituencies, had seen a notable turnout and a positive reception for the alliance’s candidates.
The election in Bihar is closely watched, not only because of the state’s political significance but also due to the broader implications for national politics. The INDIA bloc’s showing in Bihar is expected to send a strong signal ahead of future elections, particularly the upcoming national elections. The alliance is seen as a formidable force, having forged an understanding between its members to challenge the ruling National Democratic Alliance led by the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Khera emphasized that the Congress party’s contribution to the alliance’s efforts in Bihar was pivotal. “Congress has always had a significant presence in Bihar, and our ground-level work is beginning to bear fruit,” he remarked, pointing to the party’s focused campaigns in urban and rural areas alike. The party has also sought to reach out to younger voters, a critical demographic in the state’s rapidly evolving political landscape.
According to political analysts, the INDIA bloc’s success in Bihar hinges on its ability to consolidate support among various caste and community groups. Bihar’s electorate is diverse, and parties must build broad-based coalitions to secure electoral victories. The RJD, led by Tejashwi Yadav, has been a key partner in this effort, leveraging its deep roots in Bihar’s rural and backward regions to balance the more urban-centric appeal of Congress.
However, the election is far from over, and the battle for the remaining 121 seats in the subsequent phases is expected to intensify. Khera acknowledged that there were still several challenges ahead, particularly in constituencies where local BJP leaders are entrenched. The BJP, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s former ally, has been campaigning hard, seeking to retain control over Bihar’s governance.
Despite this, Khera remained confident that the INDIA bloc had the necessary support to continue making inroads. “We have seen a tremendous response from the people of Bihar who are looking for change,” he stated, adding that the mood on the ground was shifting in favor of the opposition.
The Congress spokesperson also addressed concerns about the bloc’s unity, reiterating that all alliance members were working together to present a unified front. He stated that while regional concerns were important, the overarching goal of the INDIA alliance was to replace the current NDA government, both in Bihar and at the national level.
Khera’s comments came as the first phase of the election concluded with relatively high voter turnout, a sign that the electorate was deeply engaged in the process. While initial reports suggested that voter sentiment was mixed, Khera argued that the alliance had capitalized on key issues such as unemployment, inflation, and corruption within the state’s ruling party.
IRDAI Monitoring Gaps In Health Insurance Claim Settlements: Chairman 