Bihar Elections 2025: Congress’ Silence Deepens Confusion Over Tejashwi Yadav’s CM Candidacy

With less than a month left for the Bihar Assembly elections, the Mahagathbandhan - led by Tejashwi Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress - finds itself grappling with a crucial question: Who will lead the opposition alliance?

As campaign heat intensifies, a statement from Congress leader Udit Raj has once again stirred political waters. Raj remarked that while Tejashwi Yadav may be the RJD's chief ministerial choice, the INDIA bloc as a whole has not finalized its decision. His comment has reignited internal debates just weeks before the first phase of polling.

Leadership Uncertainty Grows

Tejashwi Yadav had earlier asserted that the alliance would not enter the contest without a clear chief ministerial face. Yet, despite repeated claims from the RJD camp, neither Yadav nor his party has officially reacted to Raj's remarks. The silence speaks volumes - revealing unease within the alliance over how much autonomy Congress will cede in Bihar.

Tejashwi Yadav's Edge

Tejashwi Yadav remains the most credible contender to lead the opposition. The 2020 Assembly elections saw him revive RJD's fortunes, winning 75 of 243 seats - the party's best performance in years. As Lalu Prasad Yadav's heir apparent and a former Deputy Chief Minister, his appeal among young voters and backward communities gives him a strong base to challenge Nitish Kumar and the BJP-led NDA.

Congress' Calculated Silence

Congress, however, has not been as forthcoming. Rahul Gandhi, during his Bihar visits, has carefully avoided endorsing Tejashwi Yadav as the alliance's CM face. His emphasis on "unity over personality" has been interpreted by the BJP as a sign of fissures within the opposition ranks.

Party insiders suggest that Congress hopes to project greater independence this time, distancing itself from the 'junior partner' tag it often carries in regional alliances - particularly after its limited influence in Tamil Nadu's DMK alliance.

Strategic Dilemma Ahead

Despite cordial ties between Gandhi and Yadav, the RJD is firm on its stand: Tejashwi is their only CM choice. This leaves Congress with a difficult decision - whether to fully back him or attempt to assert a larger role, risking division within the INDIA bloc.

With voting scheduled for November 6 and 11 and results to be declared on November 14, the Mahagathbandhan faces an urgent test of unity. While the NDA appears steady under Nitish Kumar's leadership, the opposition's strength may ultimately hinge on whether it can rally behind a single face - or fracture under competing ambitions.