The Bihar Congress’ digital membership campaign has sparked an internal political controversy after several senior leaders questioned the method being used to appoint office-bearers. Critics within the party have alleged that the new system could allow financially strong individuals to secure organisational positions by enrolling large numbers of members.
The campaign, titled “Sangathan Srijan Saathi”, was launched in April to strengthen the party’s grassroots network ahead of future elections. Under the initiative, people can become Congress members by paying a membership fee of ₹50.
According to party sources, more than three lakh members have already enrolled, and nearly 70 per cent of the exercise has been completed. The campaign is expected to conclude by the end of July.
Membership Targets Linked to Party Positions
Under the new organisational model, eligibility for different party posts depends on the number of members a worker enrols.
A Congress worker must register:
- 3,000 members to qualify for Vice President.
- 2,000 members for General Secretary.
- 1,000 members for Secretary.
- 200 members for a Block-level organisational post.
The new criteria have become the centre of a growing debate within the Bihar unit.
Senior Leaders Raise Objections
Some senior Congress leaders have criticised the initiative, alleging that it could weaken the party instead of strengthening it.
One senior leader blamed AICC Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru for introducing what he described as an “ill-conceived” organisational model, claiming that traditional youth organisations such as NSUI and Youth Congress could lose their importance under the new system.
Former Congress leader Anand Madhab also criticised the campaign and questioned the increase in membership fees from ₹10 to ₹50. He alleged that wealthy individuals could theoretically register large numbers of fake members to become eligible for senior organisational posts.
Madhab urged the Congress high command to review the campaign, warning that deserving grassroots workers should not lose opportunities because of financial influence.
Bihar Congress Defends the Campaign
Rejecting the allegations, Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram defended the membership drive, calling it one of the biggest organisational reforms undertaken by the state unit in recent years.
He claimed the campaign has received an encouraging response and said that 36 per cent of newly enrolled members belong to OBC communities, 17 per cent are from Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), and around 3 per cent are from tribal communities.
Rajesh Ram also stated that the initiative has the full support of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and is being implemented as a pilot project that could later be expanded to other states.
Digital Verification Process Introduced
The membership campaign is being conducted entirely through a dedicated mobile application. Each registered mobile number can enrol up to four members, while every applicant must upload a Voter ID card and a selfie for identity verification.
Congress leaders say the new system is designed to reward workers who actively expand the party’s grassroots presence instead of relying on lobbying or internal recommendations for organisational appointments.
Q1. What is Bihar Congress’ Sangathan Srijan Saathi campaign?
It is a digital membership and organisational strengthening campaign launched by the Bihar Congress.
Q2. Why is the campaign facing criticism?
Some party leaders allege organisational posts can be influenced by membership targets and financial resources.
Q3. How much is the Congress membership fee?
The current membership fee under the campaign is ₹50.
Q4. What is the Congress leadership’s response?
The Bihar Congress says the campaign promotes transparency and rewards grassroots performance.
