Rahul expecting defeats in Bihar, Bengal, making excuse: Shivraj

New Delhi, June 9 – Senior BJP leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday, accusing him of preemptively making excuses for the party’s likely defeat in Bihar and West Bengal. As political temperatures continue to rise in the aftermath of the Lok Sabha election results, Chouhan’s remarks have reignited the political debate around the Congress party’s performance and future.

Addressing a press conference, Chouhan stated, “Rahul Gandhi knows that his party is facing rejection in states like Bihar and Bengal. That’s why he is already preparing excuses. This is not leadership — it is escapism.”

Congress Faces Setbacks in Eastern India

The 2024 Lok Sabha election results brought mixed outcomes for the Congress party. While it improved its tally nationwide compared to 2019, it struggled to make inroads in key eastern states such as Bihar and West Bengal. In Bihar, the Congress was part of the INDIA bloc along with the RJD, but it failed to deliver significant results. In Bengal, the party continued to remain marginal, with Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress dominating the political scene.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan pointed to these outcomes and criticized Rahul Gandhi for allegedly avoiding accountability. “People of Bihar and Bengal have understood that Congress cannot provide stability or development. That is why voters have rejected them again,” he added.

Rahul Gandhi’s Pre-Poll Remarks Resurface

Chouhan’s criticism comes in response to Rahul Gandhi’s recent statements where he suggested that the BJP had used unfair means and was allegedly misusing central agencies to intimidate opposition leaders. Gandhi also hinted that the results in some states were influenced by fear and manipulation.

However, BJP leaders, including Chouhan, have dismissed these claims as an attempt to shift the narrative and avoid internal party scrutiny. “Whenever he senses defeat, he blames EVMs, agencies, or creates a false narrative. Leadership requires responsibility, not blame games,” said Chouhan.

BJP Claims Popular Support Remains Strong

Despite some losses in key Hindi heartland states like Uttar Pradesh, the BJP leadership insists that its core support base remains intact, especially in Bihar where the NDA, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, performed considerably well.

Chouhan emphasized the party’s grassroots connect and development initiatives as key reasons for its success. “People trust Modi ji’s vision and delivery. Whether it’s infrastructure, welfare schemes, or national security — the BJP has fulfilled its promises,” he said.

He also credited the NDA alliance in Bihar, including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U), for presenting a united front, while alleging that Congress and RJD failed to offer a credible alternative.

Congress Facing Internal Pressure

While Rahul Gandhi has been praised by allies for reviving the Congress’s national image, his leadership is again under scrutiny following underwhelming performances in several states. Sources within the party suggest that internal reviews are underway, and questions are being raised about strategy, candidate selection, and alliance coordination.

Political analysts believe the Congress needs to recalibrate its approach in states like Bihar and Bengal if it hopes to challenge the BJP more effectively in future elections. “Rahul Gandhi has managed to mobilize youth and create a narrative of justice and inclusivity. But regional dynamics and alliance strategy need fine-tuning,” said political analyst Rakesh Jha.

INDIA Bloc Still in Play

Despite the setbacks, Congress remains a key pillar of the INDIA alliance — a coalition of opposition parties that aims to counter the BJP’s dominance at the national level. In West Bengal, the alliance coordination was largely absent as the Trinamool Congress contested independently, highlighting the challenges of coalition-building.

Chouhan, however, ridiculed the opposition alliance, calling it an “unnatural coalition of opportunists”. He said that voters had already seen through this arrangement, which is why the NDA continues to remain the preferred choice in most regions.

Moving Forward: 2025 Bihar Assembly Polls in Focus

With the next major political battle expected in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, both the Congress and the BJP are expected to intensify their organizational and grassroots efforts. The BJP, along with its NDA partners, will aim to consolidate its position, while the Congress will need to re-strategize and rebuild support at the booth level.

“Bihar and Bengal are politically aware states. The people there vote for performance, not propaganda. Rahul Gandhi needs to introspect instead of making excuses,” Chouhan concluded.