The Congress party’s dismal performance in the Bihar Assembly elections has once again raised questions about its organisational strength, political relevance, and leadership crisis. With the NDA securing a sweeping victory and the Prime Minister openly predicting another possible split in the party, Congress faces an existential moment that demands urgent introspection.

In his victory speech following the Bihar elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi predicted that the Congress party might split again, given the NDA’s landslide victory. He criticised the Congress for transforming into a communist-Maoist entity, noting that it has been losing election after election in the Lok Sabha and in Assembly polls-and that it lacks any positive political direction.

The Prime Minister’s criticism of the Congress is not surprising. He often targets the party whenever an opportunity arises. Congress leaders have failed to recognise the changing social dynamics in Bihar and other regions. They have lost support from their traditional voter base, including upper castes, Dalits, and Muslims, yet have made no meaningful attempt to win these groups back.

The Prime Minister highlighted that the party has polled fewer votes than the NDA in six Assembly elections held since 2024. This marks a significant setback for a party that once held a dominant position in Indian politics.

Is the Congress Party finished after the Bihar elections?

The party unquestionably suffered a major blow. Morale among workers was low despite extensive campaigning by leaders such as Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and party president Mallikarjun Kharge, who were unable to sway voters. The results showed their limited influence even in constituencies previously held by Congress.

The party ended with just five seats. The message from Bihar is clear: voters no longer view the Congress as a party capable of governing effectively, and the Gandhi family must take responsibility for this decline. Congress remains in denial about the real issues and appears stuck in its past. In Bihar, the party lacks a strong organisation and broad public appeal. As Congress continues to lose ground in state after state, its future looks increasingly uncertain. To compete with the BJP, the party needs to reinvent itself.

Many key leaders have been shifting to the BJP or other parties. Congress has traditionally relied on regional leaders and political families, but even these groups are now distancing themselves. At present, the party largely depends on the Muslim vote, which is also under threat due to the rise of other political options. The party’s hopes were dashed as it expected to secure more seats this time. The stark defeat raises the question: why did Congress lose a stronghold it once dominated? Is this the end of the road for the Grand Old Party after such a dismal performance? The future remains unclear.

The decline of Congress can be traced back to the rise of Mandal leaders in the 1980s and 1990s, which eroded its dominance and that of the BJP. This shift pushed Congress to ally with multiple factions, diluting its influence and authority. It had to join coalitions of like-minded parties to remain politically relevant. The party now faces a serious challenge in winning Assembly seats and reclaiming its past stature. Congress suffers from weak leadership at both the national and state levels. While Mallikarjun Kharge is the party president, most critical decisions are made by Rahul Gandhi, who — despite his hard work during elections — is frequently abroad. Priyanka Gandhi, meanwhile, has not demonstrated the ability to draw voters effectively.

First, during the freedom struggle, Congress was an umbrella organisation representing all ideological streams — from nationalists to Leftists. This broad appeal has disappeared, and the party has increasingly leaned towards Left-aligned politics.

Second, the party lacks active grassroots workers, unlike the BJP and several regional parties. Without dedicated support, no party can survive. 

Third, Congress struggles with fund mobilisation. When it governed fifteen states, funds flowed from the chief ministers; that era is long gone.

Fourth, the party lacks effective advisers to guide its leadership.

Fifth, it needs attractive policies and schemes to win voter interest.

Sixth, it must conduct honest introspection after every electoral defeat. Catchy slogans-like “The Common Man” in 1984, once helped return the party to power.

Any organisation needs a clear ideology, strong leadership, a broad support base, and a robust structure. In Bihar and across the country, the Congress lacks all these essentials. The party must convene and seriously rethink its future strategy. Six Assembly elections are due next year, and unless

Congress decides to reorganise itself, it will continue to decline. It must also prevent the remaining leaders from drifting away. India’s oldest political party will not disappear overnight, even if the BJP hopes it continues to weaken. Congress leaders must come together to rebuild the party’s organisational strength and restore its original character.

The writer is a popular Columnist; views are personal