Congress Banks On Rajasthan Leaders For Bihar Campaign, BJP Sidelines Its Own Ahead Of Polls

Mumbai: In a striking contrast of strategy ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, the Congress has enlisted three prominent leaders from Rajasthan as part of its 40-member list of star campaigners, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has chosen not to include a single leader from the state in its campaign roster.

The Congress list features former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Congress National General Secretary Sachin Pilot, and party Communications Cell in-charge Pawan Khera — all of whom are expected to play key roles in energizing the party’s campaign. Gehlot, who has been appointed the senior observer for the Bihar elections, is responsible for overseeing the Congress strategy and coordination within the Grand Alliance.

Gehlot recently met RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav to ease tensions between the Congress and its allies, as the INDIA bloc faces internal challenges in Bihar. Sources say Gehlot’s involvement is crucial for maintaining cohesion among the alliance partners and ensuring a united front against the ruling NDA.

On the other hand, the BJP’s list of star campaigners has raised eyebrows, as it does not include any senior leader from Rajasthan. Even Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav, who had overseen the party’s campaign during the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, is missing from the list. Prominent figures such as former CM Vasundhara Raje and current CM Bhajan Lal Sharma, despite their recent appearances at public rallies in Bihar, have also been excluded.

However, several Rajasthan BJP leaders, including Rajendra Rathore and Avinash Gehlot, are actively campaigning in Bihar despite being left out of the official list. State BJP president Madan Rathore dismissed the controversy, saying, “Rajasthan is itself going for a by-election on the Anta seat on November 11, so our focus is divided. Having a name in the list is immaterial in our party. Our leaders are already working for the organization in Bihar.”