Congress Holds CWC in Patna, Focuses on Bihar Polls and ‘Vote Chori’ Allegations

Introduction

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) convened in Patna on September 24, 2025, in the party’s first-ever full-scale meeting in Bihar post-Independence. The meeting was aimed at deliberating strategies for the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls and intensifying the party’s campaign against the BJP over alleged ‘vote chori’.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi at the CWC meeting in Patna, focusing on Bihar Assembly polls and ‘vote chori’ issues.

Key Highlights of the Meeting

1. Historic Location:For the first time, Congress’ top decision-making body gathered in Bihar, symbolising the party’s renewed focus on the state ahead of elections.

2. Participation:The extended CWC included permanent and special invitees, chief ministers, Pradesh Congress Committee presidents, and Congress Legislature Party leaders. Key participants included:

   • Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress President

   • Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha

   • K.C. Venugopal, General Secretary

   • Jairam Ramesh, General Secretary

   • Sachin Pilot, General Secretary

   • Bihar Congress Chief Rajesh Kumar

   • Treasurer Ajay Maken

3. Agenda and Deliberations:

   • Strategising for the Bihar Assembly elections likely scheduled in November 2025.

   • Reviewing Mahagathbandhan seat-sharing talks and campaign readiness.

   • Strengthening the party’s stance on ‘vote chori’, including recent allegations regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls by the Election Commission.

4. ‘Vote Chori’ Campaign:

   • Rahul Gandhi has led multiple initiatives highlighting alleged vote deletion of Congress supporters in Karnataka and other states.

   • The Leader of Opposition accused the Election Commission (EC) of protecting forces undermining democracy.

   • The EC has officially called these allegations “incorrect and baseless.”

5. Resolutions and Strategy:

   • Sources suggest the CWC may pass resolutions targeting vote manipulation issues.

   • Focus will be on mobilising the party cadre and sending a strong message against alleged electoral malpractices.

Significance of the Patna CWC Meeting

• The meeting signals Congress’ prioritisation of Bihar as a key battleground in the upcoming Assembly polls.

• It demonstrates the party’s commitment to grassroots mobilisation and addressing concerns over electoral integrity.

• Rahul Gandhi’s Voter Adhikar Yatra and subsequent press conferences indicate a strategy focused on public awareness and agitation on ‘vote chori’.

Conclusion

The Congress CWC meeting in Patna underscores the party’s strategic push in Bihar, combining election preparedness with a narrative on vote integrity. With the Assembly polls approaching in November 2025, the deliberations are expected to shape the campaign messaging, alliance strategies, and mobilisation efforts for the party.